The Tools of Alexander’s “Funeral Games”

Essentially an introduction to the wars of the “Diodachi”, the generals – Successors – of Alexander who sought to grab pieces of his empire for themselves, this work was first issued in 2009. The first volume, Commanders and Campaigns, dealt with the men and their wars – Alexander’s “Funeral Games” to use Mary Renault’s apt phrase – for control of Alexander’s empire. This volume covers the armies raised by the Successors and the ways in which they used them.

Not surprisingly, we learn that the armies of the score or so contenders for the Macedonian empire or parts of it over some four decades were quite similar, all sharing common roots in the military system developed by Philip II and wielded with spectacular effect by his son Alexander, who also initiated some innovations of his own.

The authors also point out that over the years several of the Successors tinkered with the system. This was particularly so in the matter of adding elephants to the armies, and, since each of the Successors controlled a different portion of the empire, adopting elements of local military practice that seemed useful for their own armies. Overall trends in military development are illustrated in some depth through the use of number of notable battles as case studies.

A useful handbook to these wars and armies, as noted, The Wars of Alexander’s Successors is primarily for those unfamiliar with the period.

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