Ancient army numbers

[Robert Vermaat]

Underestimating the abilities of the ancients is to give to much credence to the vanity of the modern mind, which seems to think it is superior to everything that has preceded it. (by minutes, in some cases :wink: )
I think ther is good evidence to give them some respect, even if we cannot prove the minute details.
And actually, 40,000 men do not take up too great a space...
They were not living in estates, they were on campaign.

Byron, read my post will you?
I never underestimated anything. I was discussing the supposed possibility for a Persian army of a million (or more) to invade Greece.
The Persians did invade Greece, but they were eventually beaten. Their army was not immense. I see no problem with an army of 40.000. I see no problem for a 100.000 even.But for those immense numbers, I see no evidence, no charters, no reports.
I guess we are both more on the same line than you think.

The pyramids? A great enterprise. Built by normal labourers, over years and years.