Considers the ideals and realities of generalship across the Greek, Roman and Byzantine worlds Addresses a neglected aspect in the study of ancient warfare Analyses views generated in different ancient cultures about the theory and practice of generalship Brings together the latest research on generalship from a wide spectrum of academic experts Contains discussion of the theory and practice of generalship in other contemporary cultures including Persia, Arabia and China This volume is unique in addressing a key aspect of ancient warfare across a broad chronological and cultural span, focusing on generalship from Archaic Greece to the Byzantine Empire in the twelfth century AD. Across this broad span, it explores a range of ideas on how to be a successful general, showing how the art of generalship a profession that has been occupied variously by the political elite, the mercenary soldier and the eunuch evolved and adapted to shifting notions of how a good military leader should act.