Were they better equipped?

[Currahee Chris]

On the contrary, I think the later army is better in terms of tactics/strategy/flexibility, though when you take equipment into account, you have to separate the things and talk about them that way.

I'm inclined to agree with you. Ive always felt that the Byzantines faced more advaced warrior nations/empires and their equipment and technology had to be up to speed to at least hold the line.