Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Second Hand Books/Ancient-Middle Ages products

Pollard, Nigel /Berry, Joanne: Die Legionen Roms 25,00 €

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:00:08 +0200

Roman legionaries have a large and loyal following. Their weapons, enemies, missions, triumphs and defeats are of great interest to many experts and amateur historians, who study them in minute detail. Re-enactments by Roman groups, exhibitions, themed festivals and markets attract large audiences. The troops not only subjugated a vast empire and determined the fortunes of power-hungry generals in the struggle for supremacy, they also built roads, bridges, aqueducts and buildings, thereby contributing to the Romanisation of the provinces and the empire?s heyday. The military was omnipresent in Roman life: only after 25 years of military service in the disciplined, intensively trained troops were legionaries granted a plot of land as a severance payment and permitted to marry. The authors profile all 45 legions of the Imperial era, for example the troops that were disbanded in 70 AD for cowardice, or the vast force that fell into the Parthians? trap at Carrhae, or Legio VII ?Gemina?, which Emperor Galba raised for the march on Rome.

Sommer, Michael: Soldatenkaiser 10,00 €

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:00:09 +0200

The Roman Empire was on the brink of collapse in the 3rd century AD: militarily, politically, socially and fiscally. Was it a "world crisis" that the ancient Mediterranean region suffered under the soldier emperors? This volume traces the various aspects and attempts an interpretation: it was not a crisis affecting all areas of life that shook the Roman world empire, but rather revolutionary changes outside the empire that required military reactions and shook the old principate order. The "soldier emperors" - many of these emperors, all of whom were raised by the army, were anything but uncivilised warhorses - faced up to the challenges of their age in a typically Roman, traditional and yet innovative manner and thus created a new empire.

Michael Sommer studied Ancient History, Classical Philology, Scientific Politics, Modern and Contemporary History and Near Eastern Archaeology in Freiburg, Basel, Bremen and Perugia, taught in Liverpool and has been Professor of Ancient History at the University of Oldenburg since 2012. His research focusses on the Roman Empire, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Phoenicians. He has published numerous books, including "Der römische Orient. Between the Mediterranean and the Tigris" (2006), "Die römischen Kaiser. Herrschaft und Alltag" (2010) and "Narren im Purpur. Images of life from antiquity" (2012).

Lucchetti, Marco / Cristini, Luca S. / Durand, Mario Nadir: The Roman Army. From Romulus to King Arthur. 40,00 €

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:40:03 +0200

Volume 51 of the "Soldiers & Weapons" series.

In this book, the authors recount the incredible adventure that turned a village of shepherds into the greatest military force in the ancient world. The history of the Roman legions and the descriptions of tactics and battles are accompanied by numerous pictures and impressive colour plates.
This book brings together for the first time a work of ours published over twelve years ago, to which many new images of Rome's soldiers have been added. A book with almost 250 full-colour pages, for the first time in two separate editions: Italian and English, to celebrate the great glory of Rome with dignity!

English text, paperback, colour illustrations and 40 colour plates. 242 pages.

Cadek, Robert / Seehase, Hagen: Böckler- und Löwlerkrieg 25,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

The rise of sovereign power at the expense of the knights led to numerous uprisings by various knightly orders in the late 15th century. In Lower Bavaria, these were initially the Böckler and then the Löwler. The thoroughly unheroic Duke Albrecht IV of Bavaria proved himself to be a clever tactician and capable administrator who knew how to assert himself against rebellious knights, his hostile brothers, and the distrustful head of the empire, Emperor Frederick III. The intervention of Bohemian mercenaries gave the conflict an international dimension. The Swabian League experienced its baptism of fire. The first mercenary troops appeared on the side of Albrecht's opponents. The political and family background to the conflict leads to a world full of intrigue and adventure. The authors also describe in detail the conventions of knightly feuding and the role of the peasantry in late medieval warfare. The armies of the knightly leagues, their allies, and their opponents are portrayed in detail in terms of their composition, armament, tactics, etc. With a foreword by Stefan Roth. The book is illustrated with pictures of renowned reenactment groups, among others. It contains an extensive bibliography.

Melville, G./Staub, M. (Hrsg.): Enzyklopädie des Mittelalters. Volume 2 25,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

The Middle Ages exert a great fascination, yet their nature and structures are alien to us. The Encyclopaedia of the Middle Ages organises its overwhelming variety of topics not alphabetically, but in a logical system that allows all information on a given keyword to be found in one place. It covers all aspects of medieval life: society, faith and knowledge, literature, fine arts and music, the economy, living environments and specific political events. The best German specialists in each field work on the individual topics. Thus, the Encyclopaedia of the Middle Ages is not merely a collection of knowledge, but gives history a structure and clearly illustrates the connections between different topics.

Die Eidgenössische Chronik des Wernher Schodoler um 1510 bis 1535. 2 Faksimilebände + Kommentarband 2.995,00 €

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:50:08 +0200

The Federal Chronicle is the most recent of the important Swiss picture chronicles of the late Middle Ages. It was compiled between 1510 and 1535 in Bremgarten by the chronicler Werner Schodoler in the tradition of the Swiss picture chronicle. It consists of three volumes totalling 1,470 pages with 328 partly coloured drawings. Despite the space left for illustrations, volume 1 was never illustrated. The script and typeface of the chronicle show great balance and consistency. The illustrators can be attributed to the circle of Urs Graf, Hans Leu the Younger and Niklaus Manuel. The three volumes of the chronicle are now located in different places. Volume 1 is in the Leopold Sophien Library in Überlingen, volume 2 in the city archives in Bremgarten and volume 3 in the Aargau Cantonal Library. In terms of content, Schodoler covers everything from the construction of the cities of Zurich, Lucerne and Bern to the founding of the Swiss Confederation and the numerous military conflicts with the Habsburgs, the Burgundian Wars, the Swabian War and, finally, the Italian campaigns. It is believed that Schodoler was an eyewitness to the Battle of Marignano. In addition, numerous local stories are also covered and illustrated, such as the Murder Night of Zurich, the Waldmann Trade and the Jetzer Trade. This edition by Faksimile-Verlag Luzern presents the Federal Chronicle in two facsimile volumes, as well as comprehensive explanations in a separate commentary volume. In terms of scope, format and colour, the facsimiles are detailed reproductions of the entire original document. The covers of the facsimile volumes are made of the finest pigskin and decorated with blind embossing, brass fittings and book clasps. The headband was sewn by hand and all double leaves were stapled by hand.

Hyginus, Gromaticus: Das Feldmesserbuch 140,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Land surveying was an important discipline in the technically advanced world of the Roman Empire. The art of field measurement played a fundamental role in the construction of temples and legionary forts, in urban planning, road construction and even land allocation. One of the most important texts in this discipline is the so-called Surveyor's Book (Latin: De limitibus constituendis) by the author Hyginus Gromaticus from the 1st century AD. Among other things, this work has been preserved in two richly illustrated manuscripts, the illustrations of which are presented in this volume. The volume offers the first ever German translation of the Feldmesserbuch. A detailed introduction explains the philological background and the significance for technology, mathematics, astronomy and legal history. The synoptic Latin and German text contains around 130 unique, partly late antique illustrations that illustrate the facts described.

Splitter, Rüdiger: Reise zum Vesuv 55,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Beneath the streets of the small town of Portici on the Gulf of Naples, engineers commissioned by King Charles of Naples and Sicily had been exploring the ruins of the ancient city of Herculaneum since 1738. Newspapers across Europe regularly reported on the spectacular finds. This volume intertwines the history of early archaeology on the Gulf of Naples with the enthusiasm for antiquity at the court of the Landgraves of Hesse-Kassel. This is illustrated by the life of the scholar Simon Louis du Ry (1726-1799). Landgrave Wilhelm VIII of Hesse-Kassel sent the architect Du Ry to Italy for training, where he was also to visit Naples and the underground excavations. His letters about his experiences in the dark tunnels are an important source on the beginnings of archaeology in the Gulf of Naples. Du Ry also provides a detailed description of the famous Herculanense Museum in the Royal Palace of Portici. Back in Kassel, Simon Louis du Ry after a second trip to Italy with Landgrave Frederick II created the Museum Fridericianum, which opened in 1779.

Pappalardo, Umberto (Hrsg.): Heinrich Schliemanns Reisen 45,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Heinrich Schliemann achieved worldwide fame primarily for his discovery of ancient Troy. But the archaeologist was also a gifted autodidact who taught himself several foreign languages. In the second half of his life, he undertook extensive travels, which he documented in his diaries. What is special about this is that he wrote the entries in the language of the country he was visiting at the time. Umberto Pappalardo makes Schliemann's thoughts on his travels to Egypt, the Middle East and Greece available in German translation for the first time. 200 years of Heinrich Schliemann in pictures: original pages, sketches and lithographs. Four journeys from 1858 to 1888: diary excerpts and personal letters; new volume in the series Zabern's Illustrated Books on Archaeology with 150 contemporary illustrations; life in the 19th century: Schliemann's diaries as a historical document; a historical biography that still fascinates today: the state of Schliemann research. From Ankershagen across the world: On the road with Heinrich Schliemann Fascinated by antiquity and foreign cultures, he travelled the world, lived in Russia, Greece and the USA Heinrich Schliemann shied away from no adventure. His diary entries tell of treasures, some of which have now been lost, and bring us closer not only to his time, but also to Schliemann himself. Edited by Umberto Pappalardo, the writings of this eternal seeker offer fascinating insights into the restless life of the explorer!

Wiemer, Hans-Ullrich: Theoderic the Great 20,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Ravenna, March 5, 493: There was not a bone in that scoundrel. This was how the Gothic king Theoderic commented on his murder of Odoacer, whom he had just sent to his death with a single sword stroke. With the demise of his adversary, a position had become vacant: that of ruler of the western part of the Roman Empire. Anyone who had witnessed the bloody start of his reign could hardly have expected that Theoderic, of all people, the oath-breaker and bloodstained man, would succeed in bringing the Goths and Romans a period of decades of peace and stability. This book tells the exciting story of how he managed to keep his two peoples apart through a clever division of labormilitary tasks for the Goths, civil life and tax collection for the Romans. The secret of his success, which the author of this modern biography convincingly unravels, was integration through separation! Even after 1500 years, it is fascinating to see how Theoderic, despite the great potential for conflict in matters of faith and church organisation, between warriors and civilians, in relations with the emperor in Constantinople and the Germanic kings in the West, and in the face of pressing social problems managed to maintain peace both internally and externally, but also to create peace without compromise when necessary.

An den Grenzen des Reiches 25,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:16 +0200

Accompanying volume to the exhibition at the LVR-Römermuseum - Archäologischer Park Xanten (May 16 to September 7, 2014). Even after the devastating defeat of the Romans in the Teutoburg Forest and the establishment of the Rhine as the border of the Roman Empire, the Fürstenberg remained a central scene of Roman power with approximately 10,000 soldiers stationed there. Excavations were carried out in this largest military camp of the Roman Empire as early as 1900. They were part of the general enthusiasm for archaeology at the time. Between admiration for the self-assertion of the Germanic tribes, who were glorified as ancestors, and respect for the discipline and civilization of the Romans, archaeology in the Wilhelmine era found it difficult to decide. Away from the increasing nationalist ideology of history, this catalog also focuses on the people who took part in the excavations, their lives, and their everyday work 100 years ago. Richly illustrated with old photographs, original finds, contemporary documents, and models, this volume brings to life an era and its archaeology on the eve of the First World War.

Seehase, Hagen/Ollesch, Detlef: The Burgundian Wars 25,00 €

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:45:09 +0200

The Burgundian Wars are generally considered to be the military campaigns waged by the last Duke of Burgundy against the Swiss Confederates. Duke Charles the Bold was defeated in several battles and died near Nancy in early 1477. This event and the resulting dispute over the Burgundian inheritance are of immense historical significance, as they mark the beginning of the Franco-German hereditary enmity. This book covers the Burgundian Wars from the campaigns against Liège, the siege of Neuss, the battles in the Sundgau and Lorraine to the battles against the Swiss Confederates. The role of the Swiss allies is given due recognition, as is the significance of the French and English crowns in this conflict. The authors highlight the driving forces behind the war against Charles the Bold and the factors that led to his downfall. In doing so, they reveal little-known details about the death of the Duke of Burgundy. The armies of the Burgundians and their enemies are portrayed in detail in terms of their composition, equipment, tactics, etc. The book is illustrated with pictures of international re-enactment groups, among other things. It contains an extensive bibliography.

Hölscher, Tonio: Klassische Archäologie. Grundwissen 45,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:24 +0200

Far more than just an introduction: Tonio Hölscher's proven standard work offers a concise overview of the central themes of Greek and Roman archaeology. From the definition of the subject to methods of archaeological field research, the division of historical periods, ancient urban archaeology and the analysis of painting, mosaics and ceramics to mythology, it provides information for students and interested lay readers alike, vividly illustrated with numerous black-and-white images.

Le Goff, J.: Geschichte ohne Epochen? 14,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:24 +0200

At the end of his life, Jacques Le Goff, the internationally renowned medieval expert, returns to the fundamental questions of his profession. Why do we divide history into epochs at all? Is the Renaissance for us modern people really the birth of bright, luminous thinking, or, thanks to our new knowledge of the achievements of the Middle Ages, should we not rather see both periods in context? Le Goff not only shows us the instruments of epochal division, he also uses them to examine the various intellectual, technical and economic changes up to the French Revolution. In doing so, however, we simultaneously return to the questions of what our own standards for historical progress and change are. He has made a fundamental contribution to history and the presentation of history.

Biller, T.: Die mittelalterlichen Stadtbefestigungen im deutschsprachigen Raum. Ein Handbuch. 2 Bände 89,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:27 +0200

Whether a powerful free imperial city or a small sovereign town - all of these settlements had one thing in common, and it was the fortification, the city wall. Thomas Biller's work is the first ever systematic and at the same time comprehensive overview of medieval town fortifications.
In a systematic section, Biller deals with all aspects of medieval town fortifications: from the pre- and early forms to the fully developed fortifications of the High Middle Ages to the end and demolition of the town walls in the artillery age. It describes all elements of urban fortifications: Wall, all forms of guard and gate towers, moats, land defences etc. The aspects of financing, construction and maintenance are also important. A second regional section describes all the town fortifications in the German-speaking area that can still be documented, from Pomerania and the Order of Prussia to Austria, Switzerland and the remaining parts of the Empire.

Krause, Stefan: Mode in Stahl. Der Kostümharnisch des Wilhelm von Rogendorf 30,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:24 +0200

Renaissance armour was once used for more than just protection in battle and tournaments. It was the noblest garment for men and was worn for triumphal processions and festive occasions. For this reason, it was also subject to the tastes of the time and a constant evolution in fashion. Armour is a garment made of steel but conceived in textile - fashion in steel. In no other work is this better expressed than in the costume armour of Wilhelm von Rogendorf from 1523. This extraordinary masterpiece of German Renaissance art is now on display again in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna after a long period of restoration - and it is the focus of this book. Stefan Krause's book poses the question of why this armour looks the way it does. Why are its steel sleeves folded into heavy, puffy pleats? Why does it imitate soft fabric in hard steel? These questions take us back five centuries, including to Spain to the court of Emperor Charles V and to Augsburg to the workshop of the ingenious armourer Kolman Helmschmid. But it also takes us to the battlefields of the Renaissance - to the Landsknechts, a militarily revolutionary and fashionably extravagant southern German mercenary troop, and to Wilhelm von Rogendorf, a colourful mercenary leader of the emperor.

Pfaffenbichler, M./Krause, S. (Hrsg.): Turnier. 1000 Jahre Ritterspiele 45,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:27 +0200

The tournament, with its idealistic code of honour, emerged in parallel with chivalry in France in the 11th century. Initially almost indistinguishable from battle, rules were enacted to limit the brutality of combat. At the end of the 13th century, sporting competitions took centre stage; in the late Middle Ages and early modern period, it became a festival for the elites to show off their chivalric prowess. It lives on to this day in historicised festivals and as a tournament sport in steel armour. This is the first time that the many aspects of the subject have been presented in such detail and up to the present day.