Who wrote war?

Who Wrote War?

Introduction

War is an age-old phenomenon that has been a part of human history for centuries. It’s a complex and multifaceted topic that has fascinated scholars, historians, and philosophers alike. While the causes and consequences of war are well-documented, the question of who "wrote" war – in the sense of writing the script, or at least, the narrative, of war – remains unanswered. In this article, we will delve into the history of war and identify the key players who, in various ways, shaped the narrative of war throughout the ages.

The Ancient Era

In the ancient world, war was often perceived as a natural and noble pursuit. The Epics of Homer, which include the Iliad and The Odyssey, are some of the earliest surviving works that describe war in a systematic and detailed manner. In these epics, the gods are depicted as involved in human affairs, sometimes even intervening in the midst of battle. The gods’ involvement is not unique to Homer’s works; many ancient cultures believed in divine intervention in war, which added a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The Ancient Greeks, in particular, left a lasting impact on the narrative of war. Their concept of Kleos (or "glory") as a motivator for warrior behavior is still studied in military circles today. Furthermore, the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) and the Persian Wars (492-449 BCE) helped shape the narrative of the ancient Greeks as brave defenders of their city-states against the mighty Persian Empire.

The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages saw the emergence of Christianity, which had a profound impact on the narrative of war. Saint Augustine’s City of God (413 CE), a theological treatise on the nature of war and its relationship to Christianity, is a significant work in this regard. Augustine posited that war could be justified if it was motivated by a desire to preserve the common good or protect the innocent.

The Song of Roland, an anonymous 11th-12th-century CE epic poem, provides a vivid account of the Battle of Roncesvalles (778 CE), a key moment in the War of the Carolingian Dynasty. This poem and others like it helped perpetuate the Chanson de Geste genre, which romanticized knightly valor and chivalry.

Modern Era

The Renaissance and Age of Exploration brought new perspectives on war, driven by the rise of national states and the development of modern warfare. Treatises on Strategy and Tactics, such as those written by Sun Tzu (The Art of War, 6th century BCE) and Niccolò Machiavelli (The Prince, 1513 CE), influenced Western military thought.

Carl von Clausewitz’s On War (1832 CE) is a groundbreaking work that emphasized the Fog of War, the psychology of war, and the importance of national politics. This treatise, alongside others, shaped the military thought of the European Enlightenment and influenced later military theorists like Sir Basil Liddell Hart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "writers" of war include a diverse range of thinkers, philosophers, and historical figures who have contributed to the narrative of war across the ages. From Homer’s Epics to Clausewitz’s On War, these works have not only shaped our understanding of war but also influenced military tactics, strategies, and ideology. The Table below summarizes the key writers and their works that have had a significant impact on the narrative of war:

By examining the history of war and the people who have written about it, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities, nuances, and ongoing dynamics of war. The ongoing debate about the nature, causes, and consequences of war will continue to inform and shape our understanding of this complex and multifaceted phenomenon.