Ever wanted to know more about ancient history but didn’t
know where to start? The Battles are the
Best Bits will take you on a journey
from the beginnings of civilisation in Mesopotamia and the glory days of Ancient
Egypt, through the brutal rise and fall of Assyria and the epic struggle
between Greece and Persia, to the spectacular triumphs and calamitous disasters
of the Roman Empire and finally to the shock-wave of the Arab conquests. With
passion and humour, the author relates how he set out wanting to know more and
found himself captivated by the greatest story ever told.
The Battles are
the Best Bits - Chapter Summary
Chapter 1: The Cradle of Civilisation
In the fertile land of Mesopotamia human civilisation has
triumphed as farmers pool their resources and villages become towns and towns
become the first great cities. But with great cities come powerful kings like
Sargon of Akkad and Hammurabi of Babylon who set out to build empires with
ruthless ambition.
Chapter 2: Lords of the Two Lands
Egypt is a powerful nation united under the rule of the
god-like Pharaohs whose monuments rise to dominate the landscape beside the
sacred, life-bringing River Nile. It is a land which others view with envious
eyes and the great rulers of this land such as Tuthmosis III and Ramses II will
face challenges from other mighty nations which they must overcome if they wish
to preserve their kingdom.
Chapter 3: Rise and Fall
Beneath the dust and rubble of centuries lay the ruins of once
great civilisations; the sophisticated
Minoans, the brutal Mycenaeans, the legendary Trojans and the terrifying
Assyrians. Their stories once belonged only in the realm of legend and in the
Bible but the rediscovery of their cities allowed these stories to be told once
more. They rose to dominate the lands around them only to meet with utter
destruction.
Chapter 4: Of Wooden Ships and Iron Men
Athens and Sparta are two cities which could not be more
different. One is a bustling commercial metropolis, the other an insular armed
camp. They must join forces in order to survive however as the vast armies of
the King of Persia, which have swept all before them, descend on Greece; determined
to grind these stubbornly resisting and fiercely independent people into the
dust.
Chapter 5: Irreconcilable Differences
Greece is a powder keg waiting to explode. A state of cold war
exists between two powerful alliances of states and just one spark will ignite
a conflict which will drag the entire Greek world into a savage and unforgiving
war. Meanwhile the Great King of Persia looks on, content to let the Greeks
destroy each other and waiting to take advantage.
Chapter 6: Total War
With enough ambition, courage and determination as well as a
superb army, might it truly be possible for one man to conquer the entire
world? Alexander the Great dared to dream that dream but the world turned out
to be bigger than he imagined. In the aftermath of his death his followers find
themselves heirs to the greatest empire ever seen. But who has the strength to
take it?
Chapter 7: A Fight to the Death
Rome and Carthage are the two most powerful cities in the
western Mediterranean. The inevitable outbreak of hostilities between them has
seen Rome humble its great rival. Steadily Carthage has recovered its strength
and now one man has a bold plan to turn the tables on Rome in their own back
yard. His name is Hannibal and he is peerless in war. Is there anyone in Rome
with the ability to challenge him?
Chapter 8: The Accidental Empire
Rome has risen inexorably to become the most powerful state
in the ancient world. Its legions have marched to victory far from home and the
wealth of nations has flowed back to the city. The Roman Senate now wields
power over a vast and growing empire but the petty rivalries of its rich and
ambitious members threaten to tear apart everything the Romans have built.
Chapter 9: The Death of the Republic
Julius Caesar has made himself the most powerful man in the
Roman world through ruthless ambition and military brilliance. He is loved by
the masses but hated and feared by his rivals in the Senate. Driven to make war
on his countrymen, Caesar rolls the dice and takes the Roman world by storm,
but he cannot avoid the assassins’ blades. In the aftermath of his murder, who
has the strength and will to make the empire their own?
Chapter 10: The Power and the Glory
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The reign of Augustus
Caesar has seen Rome enjoy a golden age. Not all of his successors will rule so
well. The reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero will be blighted by
plots, assassinations, lunacy and debauchery. After the mayhem of civil war
which follows Nero’s death can the next ruling dynasty do any better?
Chapter 11: Pax Romana
The power of Rome is at its zenith. Under the auspices of
Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius the empire now stretches from the northern
wall to the banks of the Euphrates. Expansion brings new enemies however and
the legions are beginning to realise that it is in their swords that true power
lies. As the defenders of the empire turn king-makers, the barbarians on the
frontiers grow bolder.
Chapter 12: The Wolf at the Door
Rome is in crisis. The empire is fragmented. Rebel states
have arisen in both east and west; defying the power of the Caesars. On the
eastern frontier the Persians are a potent new enemy whilst on the Danube the
Goths are clamouring to stake their claim to the territory of the empire,
desperate to escape the terrifying Huns who have erupted out of the Eastern
Steppe . Can anyone manage to unite the Empire and see off these threats or is
this the end?
Chapter 13: The Empire Strikes Back
The city of Constantinople is the greatest in the world.
Under the emperor Justinian much of the Western Roman Empire which had been
lost to the barbarians has been regained. His descendants have squandered his
legacy however and now the city is in mortal peril. Its territories are
overrun. The enemy are at the gates. Can the new emperor Heraclius hold out, or
is the empire doomed?
Chapter 14: By Fire and Sword
From out of Arabia have come the armies of Islam. In an
incredible series of victories they have built an empire which stretches from
Spain to India. They seem unstoppable but still the city of Constantinople
stubbornly endures against all their efforts. The emperors seem determined
however to alienate their subjects and allies. If the Arabs can overcome their
own bitter divisions then surely the world is theirs.
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5.0 out of 5 stars The Scent of Battle,29 July 2013
I have looked forward to writing this review. I really enjoyed this book on Kindle and learned a lot.It is my favorite period in History. Simon Jones is not a professional historian so comes with no prejudices.He asks questions and makes statements that the average reader wants to know.Being a war-gamer it gives him that inside edge. I was riveted but he puts narrative breaks in the text then brings you back to the action.Having written two books I will use this book for reference and a getting lost in history book.He has no favorites (okay maybe Caesar and Alexander the Great) but everybody is given a fair crack of the whip.This is a book for using and enjoying.He goes into reasons why some of the commanders made stupid decisions (Varus in 9AD in the Teutoburger Wald -what would you have done?)He does not use hindsight but runs with the ball on the ground. I thoroughly, really enjoyed this. He worked very hard and put in a lot of time and research and it shows. Great book very ,very well done- recommend it 101%
5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable, September 15, 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
Haunting the free history section pays off again with this work. The author provides great detail on ancient history and I really enjoyed hearing from someone who wasn't a "history expert". As a fan of Rome Total War, it's really neat reading from someone else who loved the Total War series and history. Being a member of the Julius Caesar fan club and also a member of the hates Cato club, I really felt an identification with the author.
I picked this up when it was free, but definitely worth buying Very well done and highly recommend. Very sizable at just under 13k locations.
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
I had mixed emotions about this work; while it was lengthy, it was at the same time enjoyable, and at the end, I wanted to know even more history. I suspect that was the author's intention all along. This book covers a broad time frame from Sumerian culture to the eastern Roman Empire and includes the rise and spread of Islam for good measure. Interjected here and there are Mr Jones' personal thoughts and travel recollections which help break the monotony of ancient study. I realize there are more thorough books about these events, but I would say Mr. Jones' style is for the common man/woman - enough content to learn, but not so much to bog down the reader. I can't wait for his next works!
Amazon Verified Purchase
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
I very much enjoyed reading this book, it cleared up many many small pieces of history I have read or saw in movies over my lifetime and put them in a cohesive structure that made sense to me. Plus it was very readable and fun without the sometimes boring aspect of too many of the more mundane facts in many history books. After all, the battles ARE the best bits.
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
This was an excellent read, Mr Jones reminded me somewhat of my self as regards history. I found the book very entertaining and worthwhile. Mr Jones has indeed done his job, as he has left me wanting more. I look forward to the next chapter.
Amazon Verified Purchase
It was free on Amazon and being someone who likes history and stuff for free, it ticked a few boxes. What's to lose? if a book is poorly written it's a matter of seconds to rearrange electrons and delete it. I liked this book so much I tried paying for it afterwards as a thank you to the author but couldn't because it was already on my Kindle. What an epic. Mr Jones, thank you very much for turning what could have been a zimmer frame experience into a roller-coaster-ride that entertained, educated and occasionally sickened (human candles? Skulls for cups!).
This is a well written, detailed account of some of the most turbulent times in world history, the bones of long dead wars still fertilise resentment and atrocities today, this book gives an insight into that maelstrom of malice.
Thanks again Mr Jones, I hope you're working on the Crusades and onwards. If your given the opportunity to appear on Time Commanders again but duty beckons, please pull a sickie, 'cause I'd like to see that.
A really fascinating read with lots of good insights, covering a huge period of history- yet also very skilfully handled. The book is filled with the authors black humour, which works very well and this is coupled with an obvious passion for the subject. His enthusiasm is always enlightening and entertaining. Although the battles probably weren't the 'best bits' for those who took part in them, the author made them extremely fun to read. I highly recommend it.
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
I have been reading history books and biographies for years but this is the first book that has given me a comprehensive view of ancient history and the first millennium AD. What a magnificent piece of work. I cannot imagine the effort that has gone in to producing a work of just enough depth to whet your appetite for more, but not let it impede the story. My intention now is to work through the bibliography: how did they communicate; how did they recruit; how was this epic story possible?
I obtained this book as a free Kindle download and think that is a travesty: nothing of this quality should be free. I would gladly donate the cost of the paperback to any charity Mr Jones would care to nominate.
Amazon Verified Purchase
Monique J
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
I learnt a huge amount from this book. I like the way that the author made it interesting by including his own experiences and amusing observations throughout. I particularly liked the Ancient Egypt section as I have been to Egypt myself and found the history fascinating but quite confusing. In this book it is explained really clearly and well.
Buy The Battles are the Best Bits from Amazon
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5.0 out of 5 stars The Scent of Battle,
By
Alan (FORTROSE, United Kingdom) )
5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable, September 15, 2012
By
Jetpack (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
Haunting the free history section pays off again with this work. The author provides great detail on ancient history and I really enjoyed hearing from someone who wasn't a "history expert". As a fan of Rome Total War, it's really neat reading from someone else who loved the Total War series and history. Being a member of the Julius Caesar fan club and also a member of the hates Cato club, I really felt an identification with the author.
I picked this up when it was free, but definitely worth buying Very well done and highly recommend. Very sizable at just under 13k locations.
5.0 out of 5 stars Wanting more, September
20, 2012
By
S. Dillon (Parkersburg, WV USA)Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
I had mixed emotions about this work; while it was lengthy, it was at the same time enjoyable, and at the end, I wanted to know even more history. I suspect that was the author's intention all along. This book covers a broad time frame from Sumerian culture to the eastern Roman Empire and includes the rise and spread of Islam for good measure. Interjected here and there are Mr Jones' personal thoughts and travel recollections which help break the monotony of ancient study. I realize there are more thorough books about these events, but I would say Mr. Jones' style is for the common man/woman - enough content to learn, but not so much to bog down the reader. I can't wait for his next works!
5.0 out of 5 stars Battle are the Bits ...
Concise history of civilization growth, May 2, 2013
By
Barbara Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
Easy to read and great for a quick
summary...recommend it as a first starting point. Was able to use as baseline
in more detailed follow-up readings.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Informational, March
9, 2013
By
Barry Swan Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
I very much enjoyed reading this book, it cleared up many many small pieces of history I have read or saw in movies over my lifetime and put them in a cohesive structure that made sense to me. Plus it was very readable and fun without the sometimes boring aspect of too many of the more mundane facts in many history books. After all, the battles ARE the best bits.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read, January 11,
2013
By
Richard Gross Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
This was an excellent read, Mr Jones reminded me somewhat of my self as regards history. I found the book very entertaining and worthwhile. Mr Jones has indeed done his job, as he has left me wanting more. I look forward to the next chapter.
5.0 out of 5 stars If only history was taught as well as this was
written, 21 Aug 2012
By
Wavewobbler (Wales) Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
It's difficult to summarise the scope of this work.
Yes, it's about history and there are lots of battles in it but I think that
the title potentially undersells what is undoubtedly a superb volume of work.It was free on Amazon and being someone who likes history and stuff for free, it ticked a few boxes. What's to lose? if a book is poorly written it's a matter of seconds to rearrange electrons and delete it. I liked this book so much I tried paying for it afterwards as a thank you to the author but couldn't because it was already on my Kindle. What an epic. Mr Jones, thank you very much for turning what could have been a zimmer frame experience into a roller-coaster-ride that entertained, educated and occasionally sickened (human candles? Skulls for cups!).
This is a well written, detailed account of some of the most turbulent times in world history, the bones of long dead wars still fertilise resentment and atrocities today, this book gives an insight into that maelstrom of malice.
Thanks again Mr Jones, I hope you're working on the Crusades and onwards. If your given the opportunity to appear on Time Commanders again but duty beckons, please pull a sickie, 'cause I'd like to see that.
5.0 out of 5 stars The battles are the best bits- a great read.,
4 July 2012
By
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition) A really fascinating read with lots of good insights, covering a huge period of history- yet also very skilfully handled. The book is filled with the authors black humour, which works very well and this is coupled with an obvious passion for the subject. His enthusiasm is always enlightening and entertaining. Although the battles probably weren't the 'best bits' for those who took part in them, the author made them extremely fun to read. I highly recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing history to life., 4 July 2012
By
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
An historic journey with a difference, is how I
would describe this book, which I have enjoyed reading. For me the people and
places came alive, as the author tells the story with his own warmth and
humour, while sharing his knowledge and increasing mine. In 'The Battles are
the Best Bits', the battles are meticulously detailed and very moving. A very
good informative read.
5.0 out of 5 stars What a read!, 4 Sep 2012
By
longforest Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
I have been reading history books and biographies for years but this is the first book that has given me a comprehensive view of ancient history and the first millennium AD. What a magnificent piece of work. I cannot imagine the effort that has gone in to producing a work of just enough depth to whet your appetite for more, but not let it impede the story. My intention now is to work through the bibliography: how did they communicate; how did they recruit; how was this epic story possible?
I obtained this book as a free Kindle download and think that is a travesty: nothing of this quality should be free. I would gladly donate the cost of the paperback to any charity Mr Jones would care to nominate.
Best Bits, Indeed,
October 25, 2013
By
Douglas Winslow Cooper
"author of TING AND I:... (Walden, NY USA)
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition) Amazon Verified Purchase
History for guys. I
greatly enjoyed it, including the occasional personal anecdote to bring the
past to the present. Strategy galore, including making one flank super-strong
and sweeping the enemy with it from the side. The Nazi Blitzkrieg did just his
in WW II, by-passing the Maginot line. Tactics made clear. Don't mess with the
phalanx. Alexander was truly Great and Julius Caesar was, too, despite breaking
lots of eggs to make their "omelets." Once you've crossed the
Rubicon, the die indeed has been cast.
Don't trust anybody. One sister was not content to have the other exiled, she then had her killed. Many acts of savagery, occasional nobility, rare kindness. If your town did not let those besieging you come in through the gate, the attackers likely killed everyone there once the walls were finally breached.
Tens of thousands killed in various single battles. Incredible carnage, one-at-a-time. Tit-for-tat, eye-for-eye, town-for-town. It's a wonder we have any ancestors.
Lots of fascinating details here. Elephants were like tanks, but like tanks driven by inebriated drivers. Still, there were tactics that nullified them, even turning them on their masters.
Very readable, exhaustively researched. Just imagine what the author could do writing about the 20th Century!
Don't trust anybody. One sister was not content to have the other exiled, she then had her killed. Many acts of savagery, occasional nobility, rare kindness. If your town did not let those besieging you come in through the gate, the attackers likely killed everyone there once the walls were finally breached.
Tens of thousands killed in various single battles. Incredible carnage, one-at-a-time. Tit-for-tat, eye-for-eye, town-for-town. It's a wonder we have any ancestors.
Lots of fascinating details here. Elephants were like tanks, but like tanks driven by inebriated drivers. Still, there were tactics that nullified them, even turning them on their masters.
Very readable, exhaustively researched. Just imagine what the author could do writing about the 20th Century!
5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read, 23 July 2012
By Monique J
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
I learnt a huge amount from this book. I like the way that the author made it interesting by including his own experiences and amusing observations throughout. I particularly liked the Ancient Egypt section as I have been to Egypt myself and found the history fascinating but quite confusing. In this book it is explained really clearly and well.
4.0 out of 5 stars Lonely Planet Style of Writing, May 20, 2013
By
Russell V. Olson Jr. "The Colonel" (Davidson, NC)
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Battles are the Best Bits (Kindle Edition)
As a 30-year Army veteran (with a combat tour in Vietnam) and 13 years as a high school history teacher, I enjoyed this broad overview of ancient warfare. The writing style was informal but informative. Although the author did not use any footnotes or citations, he did have a fair bibliography at the end.
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