“If you wish for peace, prepare for war.” From the time of the Romans to the Napoleonic Era and the emergence of Clausewitz, the most important handbook in the Western World regarding the art of war was On Military Art by Vegetius, which is presented for the first time in Greek.

It was one of the favorite books of Charlemagne and Richard the Lionheart, profoundly influenced Machiavelli, while George Washington owned a copy in which he kept detailed notes.

Regarded for centuries as the “golden book” of strategy in Europe, Vegetius' work analyzes the principles of strategy and tactics of the Romans during their time of supremacy, from how conscripts were recruited and legions organized to battle formations and the tricks used by the Romans to prevail in war against their adversaries.