I am a undergraduate history major who is finishing my degree at this semester and I am on a quest. I really want to up my research game and dedicate at least an hour a day to begin research into my preferred area of specialisation. To begin I decided on evolution of military warfare, specifically ancient to medieval periods.
Finally to my question, I would like some advice on where to start and who to read? As my time on this earth is finite I would like some recommendations from people who know, rather than rely on my intellect and the internet and waste countless hours in the process.
Thank you for your time,
I hope to answer any questions you may have in a prompt manner.
Sincerely,
For a general introduction, the state of the art is the two-volume Cambridge History of Greek and Roman Warfare (2008). This will take you right the way through from Homeric warfare to the Late Roman Empire. The list of contributors reads like a who's-who of everyone you should be reading after that.
Also useful and interesting, if occasionally mad, is J.E. Lendon's Soldiers and Ghosts: A History of Battle in Classical Antiquity (2005).
While our users may be able to help you out here, we hope that you also will take the time to check out our six-part series, "Finding and Understanding Sources", which should hopefully prove to be helpful for you as you continue in your research.