O trudach ostatniej kampanii Antygonosa Monofthalmosa przeciw Eumenesowi. Uwagi na marginesie książki Michała Piekarskiego, Gabiene 316 p.n.e., Bellona, Warszawa 2021, ss. 294
Michał Piekarski’s monograph Gabiene 316 p.n.e. [Gabiene 316 BCE] analyzes the significance of the Battle of Gabiene and its implications for subsequent Wars of the Diadochi. The title could suggest that the main purpose of the book was to reconstruct the epic battle. However, the book begins with the events that took place directly after Antigonus I Monophthalmus’ death to increase the clarity and coherence of the story. The first chapter focuses on the events of 323 BCE, including the plans and measures undertaken by Macedonian nobility, whereas subsequent chapters present these events in a wider context and provide a detailed description of the Battle of Gabiene. The author makes references to other military conflicts which, in his opinion, influenced the balance of power among the Diadochi and ultimately contributed to Antigonus’ victory in 316 BCE. The article analyzes the book’s content and structure, and it makes several suggestions regarding other literary works on the subject. Source materials that were omitted in the analyzed book, but make an important contribution to research on the Hellenistic period, were proposed. Overall, the book received a positive review, and the author was praised for his style, language and ability to capture the reader’s attention, observed in nearly all parts of the book. The reviewed book makes a valuable contribution to Polish bibliography dedicated to the Hellenistic period.
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