History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Ancient and Medieval Siege Weapons: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics

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A truly thorough work on siege warfare
Beautifully illustrated but...
A Beautiful Book

Ancient and Medieval Siege Weapons: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics
Konstantin Nossov
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1592287107

Customer Reviews:

A truly thorough work on siege warfare.......2007-06-29

I really love this book. It is very detailed, and you get the impression Nossov knows everything there is to know about the subject of ancient and medieval siege warfare. He is also very clear about his sources, and doesn't throw in his own theories without telling you explicitly. It is a scientific work written by a scientist. If you, like me, enjoy the tales of great medieval wars, this book is excellent background matrial.

Beautifully illustrated but..........2007-05-15

When a friend told me about this book and it's beautiful illustrations, I was so excited I practically rushed out to buy it. It was unfortunately, not available at the local bookstore at the time so I ordered it on Amazon.

It is certainly a very well written book and the many illustrations help a great deal in explaining and demystifying many of the more complicated details of siege mechanisms. However, as seems to be fairly common in scholarly works on catapults and siege weaponry is the total absence of anything beyond the limited boundaries of the Greco-roman, medieval European and middle-eastern world. There is only passing mention of the early eastern levered catapults, and none at all of catapults from the other world civilisations which employed and developed catapults, or that there exists records in other cultures of catapults that pre-date the 399 B.C. catapults of Syracuse.

This book, while richly illustrated and extremely well researched, is only narrowly focused on one aspect of the development of siege warfare, somewhat not in agreement with the comprehensive nature suggestive nature of the book title.

A Beautiful Book.......2006-01-16

Sub-Title: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Siege Weapons and Tactics ==This is a beautifully illustrated book on the seige weapons used by most of the major armies from Ancient Egypt through the mid 1400's. It is surprisingly detailed. It is based, in the early days at least, on drawings carved into rock. These have been re-sketched so that the points he is trying to make. In the more recent times, printed materias were used and these make pictures that are (somewhat) more clear. Finally an artist Vladimir Golubev (I presume) made a series of absolutely beautiful color drawings to illustrate various siege engines.

The written part was done by Dr. Nossov and originally published in Russian. It is clearly a work of schlorship that may become the standard by which others are compared in future years. Certainly I have never seen a more complete or better written description of these engines.

Average customer rating:

Fine overview of siege warfare around the Mediterranean and Persia
A Good Overview of Siege Warfare
Interesting & Detailed Account of Ancient Siege Warfare

Ancient Siege Warfare
Paul Bentley Kern , and Paul Bentley Kern
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0253335469

Amazon.com

The idea of total war--meaning war waged against a whole people, rather than merely its army--didn't start with bombing raids during the Second World War. Nor did it begin with Sherman's march to the sea. Instead, it dates to the beginning of recorded history itself. "All the characteristics of modern war--the blurring of the line between battlefield and society, the engulfing of women and children in the violence of war, the destruction of society's infrastructure, the uprooting of entire populations--were anticipated in ancient siege warfare," writes author Paul Bentley Kern. This fascinating book begins by describing the theory of siege warfare and its engineering, but focuses mainly on its historical practice from biblical times through the Roman period. Kern shows that besieging fortifications was mainly a technical problem that put warriors on the sidelines. When the problem was solved, however, "the assaulting troops found themselves not on a conventional field of battle opposed by an army but in a maze of streets and buildings opposed by an entire population," writes Kern. "Often they were under orders to sack the city, one of the few circumstances in which military commanders countenanced indiscriminate violence." Kern does not shy away from this uncomfortable fact, and actually focuses on the special plight of women and children: "Their presence threatened the notion of war as a contest between warriors, undermined the conventional standards of honor and prowess that governed ancient warfare, and paradoxically made war less restrained by creating a morally chaotic cityscape in which not only the walls collapsed but deeply rooted social and moral distinctions as well." Ancient Siege Warfare is a masterful book by an author in full command of his compelling subject. --John J. Miller

Book Description

Ancient siege warfare was a form of total war that often ended in the sack of a city and the massacre or enslavement of entire populations. Leaders from Alexander the Great to Julius Caesar all commanded great sieges that ended in fearsome slaughters. The ancient Hebrew prophets and Greek poets described siege warfare as a world without limits or structure or morality, in which men violated deep-seated taboos about sex, pregnancy, and death. Here Paul Bentley Kern examines the reasons siege warfare could unleash such unrestrained violence--and why we today are reminded of our terrible vulnerability even in the age of modern war, when fortification and formal siege are thought to be long over.

Customer Reviews:

Fine overview of siege warfare around the Mediterranean and Persia.......2005-11-21

This is an enjoyable, informative, and reasonably thorough review of siege warfare in ancient times from Greece to Rome to Israel, Egypt, Assyria, Carthage, Mesopotamia, and the conquests of Alexander. "Ancient Siege Warfare" reviews the various techniques of the attackers and defenders. Kern paints a complete picture of the situation and psychology from both sides. He does his best to explain how besieger as well as the besieged suffered, and how this could translate into the gory rage that characterized the successful siezure of many a city after protracted siege.

Discussion of each geographical region and time is divided into the prominent sieges followed by a section detailing the treatment of captured cities. At times this can admittedly seem somewhat formulaic, since it is necessary to repeat the same information in the "treatment" section. However, this also makes the work well organized and more complete.

As mentioned in another review, Kern's work could benefit from even more illustration of some of the siege techniques/equipment. That is not to say that it is insufficient as there are 16 figures and 11 maps, but one can't help but feel the need for even more illustration.

Another area that is absent is any discussion of siege techniques in India or China during this time. While this is perhaps understandable, it does provide room for an enhanced 2nd edition.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in siege warfare, or ancient/classical history. In light of some minor relevant criticisms, I have awarded it 4 rather than 5 stars--if 4 1/2 stars was an option I would award it so.

A Good Overview of Siege Warfare.......2004-03-03

So little has been written about ancient siege techniques that I was immediately intrigued when I first saw this book. After reading it I must profess that I enjoyed it immensely. It is at times plodding and repetitive, however it does an excellent job of emphasizing the importance of siege warfare in the ancient world. I find that I now have a much deeper appreciation of what was required to take or protect a city in ancient days.

This book provides a good overview of the developments of siege tactics throughout ancient history. Most of the subject matter deals with empires or peoples near the Mediterranean. The author does a good job of organizing the available sources to back up his discussions of different cultures, sieges, etc. At times he does attempt to expand on the sources and usually his opinions are logical interpretations. An added bonus is his bibliography which is an excellent source of references for continued research if desired.

All in all I found this book to be very interesting. It handles a lot of subject matter in detail that is usually passed over or severely summarized by military historians. Even a seasoned military historian will find that he has learned something from this book. It brings a surprising level of humanity to ancient warfare. However, one thing I do wish the book had was a chapter that went in depth into the design and manufacture of the different siege machinery. This is touched on but not nearly enough.

Interesting & Detailed Account of Ancient Siege Warfare.......2000-02-04

After I finished reading this book I was not too sure how I felt, I was a bit ambivalent about how good or bad it was. At times I found it hard going to continue but then it picked up with a very interesting account of some particular siege or battle. However other times I felt it was becoming repetitive, the same story with variations on the number of dead or the way the victors tortured or killed their enemies. There is no doubt that the author has thoroughly researched the subject but the narrative came across a bit dry in the end. The chapters on the Roman army's conduct of siege operations stand out. There were a number of line drawings and maps but I found the maps to be of poor quality, I'm sure better ones could have been found. If you are looking for a detailed account of how siege operations were carried out in ancient times and the result of those sieges then this is the book for you. I can only say that I did not find the narrative as free flowing as I usually like in a book, it was almost like reading a school text book at times. I would recommend this book only for those who have a keen interest in the subject matter.

Ancient Siege Warfare: "Persians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans 546-146 BC" (Elite)

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Interesing study of the development of siege warfare

Ancient Siege Warfare: "Persians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans 546-146 BC" (Elite)
Duncan Campbell
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1841767700
Release Date: 2005-01-01

Book Description

Sieges played a central role in many conflicts of the ancient world and generals, including Darius, Alexander the Great, Hannibal and Scipio Africanus successfully used siegecraft to gain their objectives. As siege tactics became integral to success in war, generals employed the minds of engineers and scientists to develop tactics which ranged from penetrating the defences or blockading the city through to tricks and deception. This fascinating study tracks developments in siege warfare from Ancient Persia in the 6th century BC through to the Roman sieges of the second century BC, describing the range of equipment and techniques which evolved during this period.

Customer Reviews:

Interesing study of the development of siege warfare .......2006-07-10

I have read much on this subject and was quite pleased to find some new and quite interesting information.

I also liked the pictures that I thought displayed the text well.

Besieged: Siege Warfare in the Ancient World (General Military)

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Besiegers not Besieged
The evolution of siege warfare through nine centuries comes to life in a top pick for any ancient history library.

Besieged: Siege Warfare in the Ancient World (General Military)
Duncan Campbell
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1846030196
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Book Description

The great warleaders and generals, including Darius, Alexander the Great, Hannibal and Julius Caesar successfully used siegecraft to gain their objectives. As siege tactics became integral to success in war, generals employed the minds of engineers and scientists to develop tactics, and offensive and defensive technology to give them the edge over their enemies. The mathematician Archimedes was famously and very practically involved in the defense of Syracuse in 213-12 BC. Soldiers became highly skilled combat engineers.

The book tracks the amazing developments in siege warfare through a period of nine centuries and includes details of the evolution of the artillery of the era - spear- and stone-firing catapults. Full-color artwork, many drawings and plans, photographs of archeological finds and reconstructions support expert but accessible text in this fascinating study of a less familiar facet of the ancient art of war.

Customer Reviews:

Besiegers not Besieged.......2007-09-19

This is a fine book well illustrated with maps and pictures. The bibliography is nice. Criticisms (minor!)Some of the illustrations are misinterpreted: The hoplites on P.39 have their shields slung on their shoulders, not held in their left hand; and the ram on pg. 42 is not visible. The modern photos are generally excellent but would be inproved with letters as overlays showing relevant features.
The military-historical judegements of the author are right on line!
As for the title? The book is much more about the attackers than the defenders!

The evolution of siege warfare through nine centuries comes to life in a top pick for any ancient history library........2006-10-15

BESIEGED: SIEGE WARFARE IN THE ANCIENT WORLD may be a specialty item for college-level holdings, but any collection strong in early history - not just military holdings - must have it. It covers the methods of siege warfare, examining history, politics, tactics and weaponry alike in a thorough coverage which includes lavish illustrations, photos and maps throughout. The evolution of siege warfare through nine centuries comes to life in a top pick for any ancient history library.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Latin Siege Warfare in the Twelfth Century (Oxford Historical Monographs)

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Latin Siege Warfare in the Twelfth Century (Oxford Historical Monographs)
R. Rogers
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198206895

Book Description

This is a carefully researched and illuminating study of siege warfare in the twelfth century. The siege was an integral part of medieval military experience, and was particularly significant in the Mediterranean region. Dr Rogers explores siege warfare and the role it played in the First Crusade and the establishment of the Crusader States, in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, and in the seaborne expeditions of the Italian maritime states. Dr Rogers sets out to discover how it was that crusading forces handicapped by rudimentary organisation and logistical support were able to conduct some of the most dramatic siege operations of the pre-gunpowder period. He traces the development and diffusion of techniques; and analyses the experience of siege warfare in every aspect, from the question of supplies of component parts for siege engines to the often complex political situations of besieger and besieged. This is a book which contributes not only to the military history of the twelfth century but also to its political and cultural history. `excellent work, written by a scholar who has a thorough grasp of the subject and who presents it in a lucid manner.' Speculum `an excellent work ... a fine study, full of intriguing ideas for readers interested in crusading, municipalities, and the role of warfare.' The Historian `Rogers's book is an excellent look at the medieval world's most bellicose century.' American Historical Review

Greek and Roman Siege Machinery 399 BC-AD 363 (New Vanguard)

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Greek and Roman Siege Machinery 399 BC-AD 363 (New Vanguard)
Duncan Campbell
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1841766054
Release Date: 2003-06-20

Book Description

Siege machinery first appeared in the West during the Carthaginian invasion of Sicily in the late-5th century BC, in the form of siege towers and battering rams. After a 50-year hiatus these weapons of war re-appeared in the Macedonian armies of Philip II and Alexander the Great, a period that saw the height of their development in the Ancient World. The experience of warfare with both the Carthaginians during the later-3rd century BC, and Philip V of Macedon during the early-2nd century BC, finally prompted the introduction of the siege tower and the battering ram to the Roman arsenal. This title traces the development and use of these weapons across the whole of this period.

Siege Warfare in the Roman World: 146 BC-AD 378 (Elite)

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Siege Warfare

Siege Warfare in the Roman World: 146 BC-AD 378 (Elite)
Duncan Campbell
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1841767824
Release Date: 2005-05-08

Book Description

Sieges were often pivotal in Rome’s wars, including its conflicts with the Macedonians and Carthaginians in the 2nd century BC; the civil wars of the Republic; and the late Roman wars against the Sassanid Persians, who, alone amongst Rome’s adversaries, were equally skilled in siegecraft. This book discusses the siege techniques employed by Roman armies and their opponents throughout the Republic and Empire. It shows that although the 1st century AD has long been considered the golden age of siegecraft, followed by a decline, new and effective siege techniques were in fact used in the following centuries.

Customer Reviews:

Siege Warfare.......2007-01-13

A very good historical piece. Well illustrated and accurate, a must for the serious Roman Re-Enactor, or those who enjoy Roman history. Very good for young adults.

Aineias the Tactician: How to Survive Under Siege (Clarendon Ancient History Series)

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Aineias the Tactician: How to Survive Under Siege (Clarendon Ancient History Series)
Aineias Tacticus
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198147449

Book Description

Aineias the Tactician (fourth century B.C.), the author of How to Survive Under Siege, is not only the earliest, but also the most historically interesting of the ancient military writers. Providing a fresh translation of Siege, Whitehead illuminates Aineias's vivid descriptions of what a
typical Greek city-state was like at a time when most cities were dominated by two powerful and atypical ones--Athens and Sparta. He shows that in writing this important work Aineias drew not only on his own experiences, but on the works of Herodotus and Thucydides. The book also includes a
comprehensive introduction to the author and his work, and a full historical commentary.

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Philon and Heron
Devoto
Manufacturer: Ares Publishers Inc.,U.S.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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