The Army of Alexander the Great

The Army of Alexander the Great provides a comprehensive account of the army with which Alexander conquered the Persian Empire. It details the organisation, equipment, appearance, drill and tactics of the core Macedonian units, the Greek and Balkan allies and mercenaries, and the Asian subjects of the Alexandrian army.

Initial chapters cover the main components of the army, with particular emphasis on the pike-armed phalanx that formed the core of all Macedonian armies. But Alexander’s army was a balanced, combined arms force, and the importance of the supporting units of light infantry and cavalry, many supplied by Macedon’s subject states and allies, is also emphasised.

Subsequent chapters examine the army in action, covering subjects ranging from pay and terms of service to march rates and intelligence. Finally, there is an analysis of each of the major battles fought by the Army, allowing its tactics to be seen in context.

The comprehensive text is supported by illustrations of ancient art and artefacts, along with campaign and battle maps and diagrams, and specially-commissioned artwork. Informed by the latest scholarly research and including detailed references to the ancient sources, but written to be accessible by the general reader, The Army of Alexander the Great is an invaluable resource for all those with an interest in ancient military history.

"...This book is an excellent introduction to the army of Alexander the Great and for many of us will be the main, if not only reference we will need. This is especially true for those new or relatively new to the subject, but also for those who may be relying on older or less detailed works. Highly recommended." Slingshot Magazine, Issue 360, Sep/Oct 2025

"Richard Taylor’s The Army of Alexander the Great offers an in-depth and easy to understand analysis of the organisation, strategy, and development of Alexander the Great’s military forces. It is the first volume in Helion’s new and exciting from Alexander to Adrianople. The author meticulously examines how the Macedonian army's tactical sophistication and flexibility were pivotal to Alexander’s successful campaigns across a wide geographical area, diverse terrain and against a multitude of adversaries....The illustrations and maps enhance the text, but the book’s primary strength lies in its simple description of military systems, accommodating both enthusiasts and novices in the field of ancient military history. This is a hugely interesting narrative and an informative read." carryingsonupthedale blog

"The strengths of this Helion series lies in its more detailed and thorough text, and in a particularly well-done central section of color illustrations No fewer than twenty plates in the first volume, all signed by Renato Dalmaso, illustrate the text. These drawings are remarkable and particularly well executed." Vae Victus Magazine No182 (translated from French)