Poisons, Germs, Animals, Hellfire. The History of Biological and Chemical Weapons in the Ancient World
19.99 €
In stock
Poisons, Germs, Animals, Hellfire. The History of Biological and Chemical Weapons in the Ancient World
19.99 €
The ideas of destroying the enemy with the help of deadly forces of nature originated in ancient times and have been developed throughout human history. Archaeological finds and testimonies of more than 50 ancient authors show that biological and chemical weapons were actively used in real battles - in Europe and in the Mediterranean, in North Africa, in the Middle Ages, in Anatolia, in the Asian steppes, and without the use of means of mass destruction the warring parties could not have achieved major successes. Among those who used or fell victim to biochemical weapons were such famous figures as Hannibal, Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great.This expanded edition of the book by the venerable Western historian Adrienne Mayor shows the depth and scope of the use of biological and chemical weapons in the ancient world and the practical problems and ethical issues involved. The time span is nearly 3,000 years, beginning with Middle Eastern records from 1500 B.C. and archaic Greek myths first collected by Homer around 750-650 B.C. There is also evidence from Latin authors from the founding of Rome to the late Roman Empire of the 6th century A.D. Material is presented on the use of biological and chemical weapons in China, Japan, India, both Americas, Persia, Central Asia, and Islamic states. Being in constant contact with historians, scientists, archaeologists and other researchers of ancient and modern biological and chemical weapons, the author provides new facts about toxic weapons of the past and about modern weaponry.
See also:
- All books by the publisher
- All books by the author
- All books in the series Historical interest