Remarks on recent ancient warfare researchthe sum of efforts or failure

Resumen

Research on ancient warfare, weaponry, and the warrior condition in the Mediterranean region necessarily involves the study of the Greek world. This field should be a subject to an analysis of archaeological, iconographic, and historical data, and should even have the ability to consider other aspects, hitherto little dealt with, such as technological, ergonomic or symbolic ones. Although this seems obvious, it is far from the usual practice. This paper focusses on the example of anciant warfare studies, in order to draw attention to the frequent failure by literature-based historians to give proper weight to the rapidly increasing evidence provided by archaeological discoveries and studies, though the failures are not entirely one-sided. By proposing this reflection, we aim to stimulate discussion on this topic and, much more importantly, to movitave scholars to join forces and seek the necessary means of collaboration.