Future themes? Send us yours!
In the first years of Ancient Warfare it was a fun exercise to canvass the readership for theme suggestions. It's a way for me to pick your collective brains and consider if they're practicable. It occurs to me we haven't done this for quite some time, so let's revive this tradition right now.
Rules
There are rules? Well, yes, there are a few rules that I at least have to keep in mind, and it would be helpful if you did so too.
- The first rule is that it has to be 'doable'. I too am fascinated by the questions we just can't answer because the sources don't tell us, but that makes for a thin theme indeed! We're happy to try and track down the latest research on a topic (in fact, I would hope we're getting better at doing so than in the earlier issues of AW), but I'm sure you understand there are limits.
- The second rule is that the theme has to be new or, if we've tackled it before, a new angle has to be possible. That might be great fun, actually, so if you do suggest well-trodden ground, feel free to bring up new questions that weren't answered before. Need an overview of past themes?
- Third, we want variety. Everyone has their preferences, but we can't have six themes about the Roman imperial navy in one year (did I just show my hand?) ;-) So mix it up!
- Finally, we have to be able to illustrate it. Ancient Warfare is a visual medium and, I believe, our image researchers are pretty good at digging up artefacts, locations, and generally relevant imagery for each article. But these things have to exist. You'd be surprised how difficult the second century BC can be...
That's it. If you tl;dr-ed the rules, that's fine too. I can't guarantee I'll take you up on an idea, but I do love hearing them. Post away below!
10 comments
I would like to see more articles on either subordinate Generals or supportive administrations and Women. Also what about trade and commodities in the Ancient world?
1. Unsung heroes – who do our sources under report compared to their impact on the battlefield (or in the run up). Cavalry & psiloi maybe in 5th/4thC Greek warfare, engineers and blanket counters, camp followers etc…
2. Reception of ancient warfare – think podcasts have been done on representation in film, but not sure an issue had been done on ancient warfare in modern society. How has it been received and influenced film and entertainment (Ancient Warfare film Oscars?), political or social movement (e.g., Tarn and brotherhood of man, Victorian perceptions of Spartan society, molon labe movement, use of Thucydides in modernish IR, or orientalist thought).
3. Logistics in the Ancient world – not glamorous but vital.
4. Trauma in warfare – we’re more and more conscious of the impact on soldiers of war and violence and there has been growing research and interest on PTSD in Ancient world. If too niche or difficult to illustrate for whole issue could look within context of medicine and treatment of battlefield wounds.
A. Battle of Mantineia – 418BC
B. The Sicilian Expedition (415-413BC)