Barbarians

When there was a battle to be fought, these warriors were there: gladiators, conquistadors, ninjas, Vikings . . . From Roman arenas to the lawless high seas, this series for readers age 12 and up spotlights the world's most fearsome combatants. Each title surveys the history of a fighting group, examining key leaders, weapons, skills, rules of warfare, and reasons for existing. Historically speaking, barbarians were any fighters who weren't from Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome. Often wrongly portrayed as crude destroyers, these warriors were master craftspeople, skilled horse riders, and organized combatants. They fought out of necessity, to protect their people from bullying empires. This title for readers age 12 and up surveys the history of the most prominent groups, from the Germanic Franks and the Celts of Central Europe to the Goths and Huns of eastern Europe and Asia. It covers key leaders, weapons, combat skills, and rules of warfare. Includes a glossary, sidebars, index, and further resources.