For centuries, the Near East was the center of the ancient world, seeing many empires rise and fall. The birth of civilisation in this region prompted the arrival of organized warfare, with countless soldiers fighting for control over the Near East – from Babylonians to Greeks, from Persians to Romans.

Theme: Warfare in the Ancient Near East

• Jasper Oorthuys, 'Introduction to the theme'
• Jona Lendering, 'Recording the Ages'
• Mark Schwartz, 'Warriors at the dawn of time'
• Konstantin Nossov, 'Besieging in relief'
• Sidney Dean, 'Clash of chariots'

Features

• Blanka Misic, 'Roman intelligence gathering in the East'
• Pawel Grysztar, 'Life on retirement'
• Duncan Campbell, 'Between Rome and Parthia'
• Murray Dahm, 'Oral traditions of teaching warfare'