In the ancient world, religion permeated almost all aspects of life. Because warfare was a fundamental part of existing and surviving for many societies, waging war was also a deeply religious affair. Kings, generals, soldiers: all imagined the presence of the gods on the battlefield, and let their strategic decisions be guided by priests and oracles.

Theme: Fighting for the gods - Warfare and religion

• P.Lindsay Powell, 'Introduction to the theme'
• Paul Elliott, 'Inside a temple of Mithras'
• Owen Rees, 'Sparta Refuses to fight - Pious inaction during the Persian invasions'
• Corrado Re, 'Consular suicide - The practicalities of devotio'
• Christopher Lilley, 'Epona in Roman service - Military worship of a horse goddess'
• Mark Woolmer, '"In the name of Ahuramazda" - Darius' wars against the Elamites and Scythians'
• Alberto Pérez, 'Off with their heads! Headhunting and scalping in antiquity'
• Jona Lendering, 'Alexander the invincible god - Uniting a diverse army through deification'
• Sidney Dean, 'The Frankish Constantine - Clovis' conversion at Tolbiac'
• Paul McDonnell-Staff, 'The weapon: Religion and the late Roman shield'
  

Features

• Duncan B. Campbell, 'The debate: The fate of IX Hispana'