Warfare of the early modern period is associated with the start of the widespread use of gunpowder and the development of suitable weapons to use the explosive, including artillery and handguns; for this reason the era is also referred to as the age of gunpowder warfare (a concept introduced by Michael Roberts in the 1950s). Shock weapons that extend or enhance the deadly force of the humans at close contact. These would include: clubs, axes, tomahawks, knives, swords, sabres, spears, halberds, and pikes. The most important surviving shock weapon today is the bayonet, although some might say it is a shovel doing double duty. Missile weapons that are hurled or projected over various distances to inflict destruction upon the enemy: slingshots, boomerangs, javelins, bows and arrows, crossbows, ballistas, catapults, and Greek fire. This book has been written keeping in view the requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate students and research scholars in the area of weapons and warfare and Military history.

"A comprehensive look at WMD's antecedents, from flamethrowers of the Peloponnesian War to plague-bearing booby traps.... Rich and entertaining." -Newsweek Featuring a new introduction by the author. Flamethrowers, poison gases, incendiary bombs, the large-scale spreading of disease... are these terrifying agents and implements of warfare modern inventions? Not by a long shot. Weapons of biological and chemical warfare have been in use for thousands of years, and Greek Fire, Poison Arrows & Scorpion Bombs, Adrienne Mayor's fascinating exploration of the origins of biological and unethical warfare draws extraordinary connections between the mythical worlds of Hercules and the Trojan War, the accounts of Herodotus and Thucydides, and modern methods of war and terrorism. Greek Fire, Poison Arrows & Scorpion Bombs will catapult readers into the dark and fascinating realm of ancient war and mythic treachery-and their devastating consequences.

This work covers major weapons throughout human history, beginning with clubs and maces; through crossbows, swords, and gunpowder; up to the hypersonic railgun, lasers, and robotic weapons under development today. Weapons and Warfare is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and highly informative overview of weapons and their impact on the course of human history. In addition to providing basic factual information, this encyclopedia will delve into the greater historical context and significance of each weapon. The chronological organization by time period will enable readers to fully understand the evolution of weapons throughout history. The work begins with a foreword by a top scholar and a detailed introductory essay by the editor that provides an illuminating historical overview of weapons. It then offers entries on more than 650 individual weapons systems. Each entry has sources for further reading. The weapons are presented alphabetically within six time periods, ranging from the prehistoric and ancient periods to the contemporary period. Each period has its own introduction that treats the major trends occurring in that era. In addition, 50 sidebars offer fascinating facts on various weapons. Numerous illustrations throughout the text are also included.

Traces the development of military tactics and such items as swords, spears, long-range weapons, artillery, and body coverings from prehistory to Roman times.

An illustrated history of warfare in the ancient world includes detailed examinations of armies, equipment, and strategies before gunpowder, in a volume that offers insight into the successes of the Assyrian and Roman forces.

"A comprehensive resource on the weapons and martial philosophy and techniques employed by the ancient Hawai'ian warrior, a little-known part of our American heritage"--Provided by publisher.