The latest issue of Ancient Warfare has hit the shelves in my neck of the woods. That probably means Barnes & Noble if you live anywhere in the United States. The theme of this issue is the role of the Celtic peoples in confrontation with the Greeks and Romans. As usual, the magazine is fantastic, and I don’t use that word lightly. The artwork within is of course spectacular. Make certain to take a look at the articles on the Siege of Alesia and Celtic mercenaries in Carthaginian service.  A substantial portion of Hannibal’s army was comprised of Celts, did you know that? Now you do.

I also recommend reading Josho Brouwer’s (Ancient Warfare’s editor) blog post on why we study ancient military history. This is as succinct an explanation as you are going to find anywhere. Give it a look. Also, take note of my own review of Nic Fields’ excellent book Pompey on, well, Pompey.  Yes, Pompey has come off as an also-ran when compared to Julius Caesar, but he does not deserve to be understood as a second-rate actor on a stage dominated by Caesar. For many years, Pompey was the first man in Rome. Read the book and find out why.

Marc DeSantis