Great Walls and Linear Barriers - Hardcover

Peter Spring

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1848843771 ISBN 13: 9781848843776

Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd, 2014

Synopsis

Everyone has heard of the Great Wall of China and knows of Hadrian's Wall and the other barriers lining stretches of Rome's imperial frontiers. But Peter Spring's original new study demonstrates that far from being exceptional, the building of walls and other linear defences was commonplace among the peoples and states of pre-modern era. He finds examples virtually all across the globe and analyses their forms and strategic functions. He finds patterns for their distribution, an important recurrent theme being the divide between settled agriculture and nomads. The author argues that it is mistaken to view such undertakings as necessarily purely defensive measures that might be evidence of insecurity or a 'maginot line mentality', as they were in fact often about aggressive assertion of control over a region or strategic routes. This original and thought-provoking study brings new light and insight to a fascinating and neglected aspect of human political and military history. It The clear text is supported by numerous, specially drawn maps and photographs.

About this title

About the Author

Peter Spring is a financial consultant by training but also holds an MA in Medieval Art History from the Courtauld Institute. He is has always been keenly interested in military history and has served in the Territorial Army in an Intelligence role. He lives in Southeast London. This is his first book.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1848843771
• ISBN 13: 9781848843776
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 382