Army of Herod the Great

Samuel Rocca was born in Italy, but now lives in Jerusalem. He served with the Israeli Defense Forces and has worked as a teacher and a curator at the Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem. He studied biblical and classical archaeology, gaining his PhD on Herodian Judaea at Bar-Ilan University. Samuel has given papers at numerous international conventions, and written articles for several academic journals. Christa Hook began her illustrating career in 1986, after studying under her father Richard Hook. Her work has featured extensively in the worlds of publishing and television and she has illustrated over 30 Osprey Publishing titles. Her illustrations are sought after by collectors worldwide.

• Introduction and short chronologyStrength, character and functions of Herod’s Judaean army, as regional power and ally of Republican/early Imperial RomeOrganization & tactics: infantry and the Roman influence – cavalry and the Hellenistic influenceEthnic composition: Jewish, Parthian, Roman, Gallic, GermanicEquipment & weapons: Roman, Hellenistic and Oriental influencesCommand & structure: senior commanders – royal guard – cavalry, including Parthians – Iturean archers – Judaean heavy infantryCampaigns: conquest of Judaea – siege of Jerusalem – First Nabatean War – to Arabia with Aelius Gallus – Second Nabatean War