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. The samurai of Japan are among the most enduring fighters in the world. From the 1100s to the mid-1800s, these warriors served at the command of their masters, slashing, stabbing, and shooting their way across battlefields for control of land and territory. When not in battle, samurai led quiet lives, living by a moral code of extreme self-discipline and respect for others. This title for readers age 12 and up surveys the history of the dignified fighters. It covers key leaders, weapons, combat skills, and rules of warfare. Includes a glossary, sidebars, index, and further resources.