Encyclopedia of Warrior Peoples and Fighting Groups

Many military groups throughout the world have excelled in their craft either by fortuitous circumstances, outstanding leadership, or intense training. This volume surveys the units and populations from ancient times to the late 1990s that have come to historical prominence via warfare. Each entry in the A-Z sequence begins with a brief introduction and describes the origins of the fighting group, roles of major leaders in organization and command, innovations in strategy and tactics, conquests and accomplishments, circumstances of decline or disbanding, and effects of future warfare and organizations. Entries include such headings as Assyrians, Boers, Huns, Japanese warrior priests, Mongols, paratroopers, Rangers, Rough Riders, and Viet Cong.