From the time of the Romans to the Napoleonic Period and the appearance of Clausewitz, the most important manual in the Western World regarding the art of war was "On the Art of War" by Vegetius, which is presented for the first time in Greek. It was one of the favorite books of Charlemagne and Richard the Lionheart, deeply influenced Machiavelli, while George Washington had a copy in his possession in which he kept detailed notes.

Considered for centuries as the "golden bible" of strategy in Europe, Vegetius' work analyzes the principles of strategy and tactics of the Romans during their heyday, from how the recruitment of new soldiers and the organization of legions were done to the battle formations and maneuvers used by the Romans to prevail in war against their opponents.