D’Amato, Raffaele/Albertini, Giorgio (Illustr.) Ancient Jewish Armies 1200–586 BC

This richly illustrated study examines the Jewish armies of the Near East, tracing the evolution of their organization and tactics over more than six turbulent centuries. From their origins as nomadic warrior-herdsmenhired as mercenaries by the Egyptians and other major Near Eastern civilizationsthe Jewish people evolved into a nation, Israel, which rose to become a central force in the history of the Fertile Crescent. Drawing on the latest research and findings, the authors chronicle the development of Jewish military organization and customs: from the conquest of Canaan to the conflicts with neighbors and settlersmost notably the Philistinesas the Jewish tribes united under the command of a single monarch, Saul. Jewish victories over the Philistines were achieved under the leadership of David, the conqueror of Jerusalem. Davids son, Solomon, reorganized the army, transforming it into a standing military force with specialized branchessuch as chariotrymodeled after Egyptian, Hittite, Assyrian, and Babylonian precedents. The authors explain how, following Solomons death, the kingdom split into two entities: Judah in the south and Israel in the north. Israel fell under Assyrian rule in 721 BC, while Judah endured until its war against the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzarthe ruler who conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple in 586 BC. In this lavishly illustrated volume, the warriors who took the field for Israel and Judah are vividly portrayed.