Seleucid and Ptolemaic Reformed Armies 168-145 BC (2): The Ptolemaic Army

The history of the Hellenistic kingdoms during the period under examination is complicated. The ancient historical narratives which once dealt with this period are preserved only in fragments, and the publication of new inscriptions or papyri requires a process of constant revision of the chronological framework. Limited space permits only a condensed account of rapidly-changing events in this book. I have, nevertheless, attempted to make my historical sections as up-to-date with current scholarship as possible. Conscious as I am of my own literary shortcomings, I have not hesitated to incorporate some of the better-turned phrases penned by Mahafly, Bevan, and Tarn, which articulate my sentiments so much better than I could ever hope to. I have attributed the lengthier sections, but the discerning reader may detect many other patches of prose beneath which, consciously or subconsciously, lies the hand of one of these old masters. As with Volume 1, Andy Callan has helped me greatly throughout the text. Finally, I should like to thank the series editor, Phil Greenough, for making this a better book than it might have been.