The 1,000 man legion

[Ironhand]

I disagree as well. Sounds like a bit too much supposition without strategic grounds. 1000 is a much better number in some ways. The times necessitated a smaller, faster, more mobile fighting force that could deal with a larger variety of situations than just the previous large scale invasions. It also meant you could forage and lodge locally without being as much a drain on provisions and the surrounding provinces. The Huns and the Mongols did this well by dividing into smaller groups that can handle most situations that could raid, scout, spy, forage, move more stealthily and with excellent communication the groups had a lot of play as far as strategy goes. Any large enemy force will move slow enough the unit could attack supply lines, act as diversion, play hit and run warfare, or unite with other groups for a mass battle. 1000 is a more than sufficient number in most cases without being unwieldy or draining and if the situation calls for it more forces can be combined. I have a hard time believing these leaders were as undisciplined and poorly trained as Goldsworthy claims, especially after reading military treatises of the time. Perhaps its another common case of overly idealizing the previous systems.