When Alexander the Great ventured deep into Asia to conquer vast territories of land, he employed various elite units to fight battles and assure victory. In the Hellenistic era, these bands of experienced warriors and skilful soldiers would continue to see action in the armies of Alexander’s Successors.

Theme: Clad in Gold and Silver - Elite units of the Hellenistic era

• Filippo Donvito, 'Introduction to the theme'
• Jonathan Rosas, 'A political statement. The Daphne parade'
• Sheda Vasseghi, 'Specialists of a polyglot army. Mithridates' elite units'
• Paul McDonnell-Staff, 'Hypaspists to Peltasts. The elite guard infantry of the Antigonid Macedonian army'
• Michael Park, 'Doomed men of distinction. The battle of Gaza, 312 BC'
• Erich Anderson, 'Origins of armored cavalry. The Seleucid cataphract'

Features

• Murray Dahm, 'Opening the lid. A decorated ivory box from Ephesus'
• Duncan B. Campbell, 'Hillfort under attack. Roman siege warfare or training exercises at Burnswark?'
• James Bowden, 'The debate: Stave, compound and composite bows'