This book offers a fascinating and insightful overview of seven centuries of murder in Europe. It tells the story of the changing face of violence and documents the long-term decline in the incidence of homicide. From medieval vendettas to stylised duels, from the crime passionel of the modern period right up to recent public anxieties about serial killings and underworld assassinations, the book offers a richly illustrated account of murder’s metamorphoses. In this original and compelling contribution, Spierenburg sheds new light on several important themes. He looks, for example, at the transformation of homicide from a private matter, followed by revenge or reconciliation, into a public crime, always subject to state intervention. Combining statistical data with a cultural approach, he demonstrates the crucial role gender played in the spiritualisation of male honour and the subsequent reduction of male-on-male aggression, as well as offering a comparative view of how different social classes practised and reacted to violence. This authoritative study will be of great value to students and scholars of the history of crime and violence, criminology and the sociology of violence. At a time when murder rates are rising and public fears about violent crime are escalating, this book will also interest the general reader intrigued by how our relationship with murder reached this point.
This history of Spain in the period between the end of Roman rule and the time of the Arab conquest challenges many traditional assumptions about the history of this period. Presents original theories about how the Visigothic kingdom was governed, about law in the kingdom, about the Arab conquest, and about the rise of Spain as an intellectual force. Takes account of new documentary evidence, the latest archaeological findings, and the controversies that these have generated. Combines chronological and thematic approaches to the period. A historiographical introduction looks at the current state of research on the history and archaeology of the Visigothic kingdom.
This sharp and authoritative account of American foreign relations analyzes the last fifteen years of foreign policy in relation to the last forty years, since the end of the Cold War. Provides an overview and understanding of the recent history of U.S. foreign relations from the viewpoint of one of the most respected authorities in the field Includes suggestions for further reading.
In this book, Professor Christopher Coker presents an original and controversial thesis about the future of war. Argues that the biotechnology revolution has given war a new lease of life. Draws on thinkers from Hegel and Nietzsche to the postmodernists. Refers to modern fiction and films. Part of the prestigious Blackwell Manifestos series.
This is an updated edition of Conrad Totman’s authoritative history of Japan from c.8000 BC to the present day. The first edition was widely praised for combining sophistication and accessibility. Covers a wide range of subjects, including geology, climate, agriculture, government and politics, culture, literature, media, foreign relations, imperialism, and industrialism. Updated to include an epilogue on Japan today and tomorrow. Now includes more on women in history and more on international relations. Bibliographical listings have been updated and enlarged.
In this book Toner offers a new way of looking at Roman society at all levels, not just among the elite, by examining the imperial games and the baths as well as gambling, the taverns, theatre and carnivals.
Lives of the Caesars tells the stories of 12 of Rome’s most fascinating and influential rulers, uncovering the unique features of their reigns which allowed them to earn their places in history. A comprehensive and engaging account of the lives of the Caesars, who helped shaped one of the most significant periods in history Each chapter entertainingly recounts the life and reign of a Roman emperor Includes notorious leaders such as Nero and Caligula, as well as less famous ones like Diocletian and Vespasian Includes illustrations, a timeline of Roman history, and a chart of dynasties
This book is an introduction to the war machine of New Kingdom Egypt from c. 1575 bc–1100 bc. Focuses on the period in which the Egyptians created a professional army and gained control of Syria, creating an “Empire of Asia”. Written by a respected Egyptologist. Highlights new technological developments, such as the use of chariots and siege technology. Considers the socio-political aspects of warfare, particularly the rise to power of a new group of men. Evaluates the military effectiveness of the Egyptian state, looking at the logistics of warfare during this period. Incorporates maps and photographs, a chronological table, and a chart of dynasties and pharaohs
The first book to focus on the social impact of warfare and the Roman army in Late Antiquity. Explores the implications of war and the army in a broad range of areas encompassing politics, the economy, and social life Pays particular attention to the experience of war from the perspective of non-combatants Investigates the religious dimension of military life and the role of the army in implementing religious policy Approaches familiar subjects from new perspectives, offering novel insights into the many facets of late Roman history
By examining his military and political career, home life and relationships with women, Always I Am Caesar provides a vivid portrait of Caesar’s life and the times of ancient Rome during its transition from republic to empire. Provides a richer portrait of Caesar’s life by viewing him from multiple perspective and relating him to broader Roman society Explores aspects of Caesar’s career in cultural and social terms Engaging and witty style will appeal to general readers