Napoleon’s Armies in the Iberian Peninsula
The Peninsula War was the most drawn-out campaign of the Napoleonic wars. French troops entered the Iberian Peninsula in 1807 and along with Spanish forces…
The Siege of Masada: Rome’s Assertion of Authority
During Rome’s centuries as a growing empire it faced countless rebellions and challenges to its dominance of the Mediterranean, the old Italian allies even revolted…
The Rosary Paratrooper – Friedrich August Freiherr von der Heydte
WWII saw paratroopers become an important part of warfare for the first time. Among the most gifted paratroop commanders was Friedrich August Freiherr von der…
“Smiling Albert” Kesselring; a German General of World War Two
Albert Kesselring had one of the most wide-ranging careers of WWII. A skilled German commander, he was fondly referred to by his admirers as “Smiling…
The Sword of Rome: Marcus Claudius Marcellus
All three of the Punic Wars were won by Rome, and the third war saw Carthage’s complete destruction, but there were periods where the Romans…
Germany and Italy in WWII – A Difficult Relationship
Germany and Italy had the most powerful and outspoken far-right governments in inter-war Europe. They were the main Axis powers in Europe in WWII. Their…
When Napoleon Invaded, These Men And Women Became Heroes of The Spanish Resistance
In 1807, the forces of Napoleonic France entered Spain on their way to invade Portugal. The following year, they took control of Spain itself. For…
The Careers of These Soldiers Were Transformed by the Arrival of Tanks
In 1917, a new weapon appeared on the battlefields of WWI. First developed by the British, the tank was adopted by both sides as they…
Development of the Awe-inspiring Triple Walls of Constantinople
The great city of Constantinople was one of the most impressive and impregnable cities in the world for over 1,000 years. It retained the glory…
The Birth of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment in the American Civil War
The recruitment of African-American soldiers was one of the most important moments in the American Civil War. In practical terms, it provided soldiers for the…
Rome’s Worst Defeat: The Battle of Cannae 216 B.C.E.
The battle of Cannae was an almost perfect tactical victory for Hannibal Barca. Facing a Roman army almost twice the size on a level field,…
How The Introduction of Military Drill Changed Warfare Forever
The arrival of gunpowder led to many changes in warfare. One of the most important was the introduction of the military drill. A method of…