Clear and compelling, The Encyclopedia of Wardocuments every major war or significant period of conflict in over 5,000 years of human history. The history of warfare first emerges from legend in Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, around 3,000 years before the birth of Christ. From these first battles, Wartraces the campaigns and conflicts that have shaped world history and examines the evolution of military tactics and technology. The story of the development from these primitive battles to the global conflicts of the 20th century and the modern 'War on Terror' reflects the same political, cultural, and technological forces that have defined human history. From longbows to laser-guided missiles; from chariots to jet aircraft; and from samurai warriors to SAS soldiers, Warprovides the definitive visual chronicle of this intense, brutal, and often heroic tale. Covering seven distinct periods of military history, delve into a wealth of features on weapons and technology, strategy and tactics, the experience of war, and history's fighting elites to recount the epic story of warfare and combat through the ages.