The notion of a typical “Western” way of war, as espoused most clearly by Victor Davis Hanson, is problematic to say the least.

This edited volume offers an excellent introduction to archaeological approaches to the study of warfare.

What is it that makes warfare in the ancient world such a fascinating and rewarding subject of study?

Fortifications seem to have had an obvious defensive purpose. But how effective were they in keeping the enemy at bay?

Anthony Snodgrass associated changes in fortifications with the rise of the so-called polis. Does that idea have merit?

Inspired by my postdoctoral research, I wonder whether walls were constructed primarily out of fear of attack.