Antique! The focus on mercenaries: Conference in Münster illuminates war history
Antique! The focus on mercenaries: Conference in Münster illuminates war history
Münster, Deutschland - Ukraine sees itself not only regular Russian armed forces, but also a large number of non -regular troops and mercenaries. This complex environment will be examined in more detail next weekend at the international conference "War in the Ancient World International Conference Münster 2025 - Wawic 2025" at the University of Münster. The conference, which takes place from May 29 to 31, 2025, is made by the old historian Prof. Dr. Patrick Sänger led and treats the role of mercenaries and auxiliary troops in ancient Mediterranean, especially in the period between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. Chr.
A central concern of the conference is to draw parallels between historical and current conflicts in order to emphasize the relevance of ancient warfare today. The thematic orientation also includes aspects such as flags, rebellion, war law and military medicine to convey a comprehensive picture of military history. These topics are particularly important because they also address psychological consequences of warfare and thus address the interest of the professional world and the general public.
different perspectives in military history
The historian and warfare expert Hendrik Remmel will give a lecture as the highlight of the conference. In addition, Klaus Zimmermann, ancient historian and active lieutenant colonel of the reserve, will bring in his practical experience. The conference is not only limited to the European part in Münster, but also includes a North American part in Duluth, Minnesota, with planned live connections to promote the exchange between the two locations.The discussion about mercenaries runs through military history. The role of modern mercenary troops is also illuminated in the current reporting and discussion about the recommission of the war, for example in the context of the Wagner Group. Historical considerations show that mercenism already played an important role in antiquity and contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire. A representation of mercenaries in the past shows both the economic aspects and their military strategies and social framework conditions.
from antiquity to the present
Christoph J. Eppler examined the phenomenon of war over 3,000 years in his book “Söldner, skull and soldiers. A critical military history from antiquity to Afghanistan”. While Eppler illuminates various political, philosophical and ethical perspectives, the readership is also pointed out to content weaknesses and errors within the book. The question of the scientific accuracy of historical facts arises, an aspect that has central importance in both the specialist literature and in public perception.
goal of the Wawic 2025 conference is to put these different perspectives in military history into academic and general awareness. The exchange about the role of mercenaries in history and its effects on current conflicts is an important aspect that strikes the bow between past and the present. Planned publications of conference contributions in the series "Bellona. Military, Violence and War Culture in Antiquity" will throw further light on the topic and stimulate scientific discourses.
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| Ort | Münster, Deutschland |
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