The Eurasian Way of War: Military Practice in Seventh-Century China and Byzantium (Asian States and Empires)

Book Details

• Author: David A. Graff

• Brand: Routledge

• Edition: 1

• Binding: Paperback

• ISBN: 9781138477209

• Number of Pages: 208

• Release Date: 12-01-2018

• Languages: English

• Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.0 x 0.6 inches

About the Book

"Warfare in Sui-Tang China and the Byzantine Empire (600-700 CE)" by David A. Graff offers a comparative analysis of military practices between two powerful empires: the Sui-Tang China and the Byzantine Empire. Covering the period from approximately 600 to 700 CE, this book explores the intricacies of military strategy, tactics, logistics, and organization in both empires, providing a rich understanding of their military approaches.

Graff examines a wide range of military aspects, from weapons and battlefield tactics to campaign organization and grand strategy. Despite the notable differences between the Chinese and Byzantines, the book emphasizes striking similarities in their organizational structures, tactical deployments, and a notably cautious approach to warfare.

The author challenges the conventional wisdom that the Western way of war was distinct from the "Oriental" approach, often characterized by evasion and trickery. Instead, Graff argues that Byzantine military practices in the seventh century were strikingly similar to those in Tang China, a phenomenon not explained by cultural diffusion or shared influences, but by the practical need to confront common challenges, particularly the nomadic peoples of the Eurasian steppes.

This book provides compelling evidence that the strategic and organizational decisions in these empires were driven more by pragmatic needs than by deeply ingrained cultural imperatives. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the military history of the Sui-Tang China, Byzantine Empire, or comparative warfare.