Ancient Warfare is a glossy, bi-monthly military history magazine published by the Dutch publishing company Karwansaray. The founding and current magazine editor (as of 2008) is Jasper Oorthuys.

Contents

Most of the magazine's feature articles focus on a central theme per issue: a general, campaign or more abstract phenomenon such as sieges. Every theme is introduced and put in its historical setting by the editor. A second article discusses a relevant source for this theme, e.g. a historical narrative or an archaeological source. The theme is then fleshed out by articles on warriors, battles and generals that fit that issue's theme.

The 50-page magazine also includes news, reader letters, a quiz and features brief reviews of relevant books, games and models. The illustrations include original artwork, maps and photographs of artifacts. Online free features of the magazine include the editor's blog and a podcast which is published to coincide with the magazine themes.

Issues Reviewed

Ancient Warfare II.4 (Aug/Sept 2008), containing a main theme on The Campaigns of Caesar, as well as content on Hoplite's Second Shield and Lessons from Polyaenus.

Ancient Warfare II.3 (June/July 2008), containing a main theme on The Age of the Trireme, as well as content on Hallstatt Posers, the oldest Legion and Leading by Example.

The Good

This is a top-notch publication that is not only of extreme interest to history buffs and to fans of warfare in the Ancient World, the special focus on classical Greek and Roman civilizations makes it an incredibly valuable reference to those who wargame using those particular armies. I can also recommend this publication to teachers and professors of history.

It is absolutely worth every cent of the cover price. In all honesty, I'd be willing to pay £10 each issue for everything that I got out of this magazine.

The Bad

None.

The Ugly

None.

Product Summary
Name: Ancient Warfare
Publisher: Karwansaray
Category: Magazine
Cost: €6.99
SKU: N/A
ISSN: 1874-7019

Rating