Michael J Decker

The final chapters or second part on enemies, strengths and weaknesses are what I call a true "Art of War". The first part of book is a short history focusing on military endeavors. Although, the first part does help to understand the second and the reason for the Empires particular reasons for their military choices.

The prose is pedestrian, but the work is heavier on Archaeology than most surveys of this period. It is quite useful as, the time span is remarkably sparse for written records. The author, has to explain as well, that the archaeology itself is sparse, but it is a possible route to recovering more information on the period. He hopes, as well, that the Islamic east could reveal more, when it is given some examination. I wish him well in future endeavours.