5 ms·
The analysis of Cavalry and Iron is fascinating. As is the correlation between MilTech and Phylogeny (cultural similarity between polities). I was most surpris
by jonmc12 5y ago
The analysis of Cavalry and Iron is fascinating. As is the correlation between MilTech and Phylogeny (cultural similarity between polities).
I was most surprised that the authors had no strong theories about the role of "agricultural productivity". In addition to building armies from agricultural surplus, the ability to feed horses, people, elephants, etc was key to large military campaign. A common defensive technique against large army campaigns included burning agriculture.. for instance Hannibal's invasion of Rome. ie, the agriculture supply-chain itself seems to be a necessary pre-requisite to military campaigns with thousands of troops.
- narrator 5y agoSpeaking of examples of food innovation aiding military campaigns, Napoleon's army was responsible for the development of canned food[1]. [1] https://unrealfacts.com/napoleon-bonaparte-role-canned-food-invented/ https://unrealfacts.com/napoleon-bonaparte-role-canned-food-...
- aspenmayer 5y agoJames Burke covers this in Connections, season one I believe. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connections_(British_documentary) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connections_(British_documenta...
- nefitty 5y agoWow, this might be one of the best Wikipedia pages I've ever encountered. Thanks for linking it!
- aspenmayer 5y agoYou’re welcome! Enjoy the show! You can find it on YouTube. It may also be on Internet Archive and the usual places.