Why were ancient armies bigger than medieval armies?

In the Ancient Era, empires like Rome and Persia had control of vast swaths of land, and with them, large populations. These ancient empires were also more centralized than most pre-Renaissance states, meaning that they had the capability to assemble, supply, and equip very large armies.

Was ancient Rome more advanced than the Middle Ages?

Originally Answered: Were Romans more advanced than the Middle Ages? Broadly speaking, the Romans were leas advanced than the later Middle Ages. *In metallurgy, the Romans definitely lagged the late Middle Ages. Later Middle Ages were age to produce iron and steel in higher quantities.

Why were the Romans so technologically advanced?

In Egypt, the Romans adopted the water technology known as wadi irrigation from the Nabataeans. Wadis were a technique developed to capture large amounts of water produced during the seasonal floods and store it for the growing season. The Romans successfully developed the technique further for a larger scale.

Why were medieval armies smaller than classical?

Smaller polities (kingdoms and or counties instead of empires) meant smaller population, and smaller armies. Switching from infantry based armies to cavalry based ones; which were smaller but more expensive and (usually) powerful.

What was the most advanced civilization in the Middle Ages?

For example, in 476 it could be argued the Eastern Roman Empire was the most advanced, while around 1000 Moorish Spain would qualify, and around 1400 it could be argued Italy was the most advanced.

How was the Roman army different from the medieval army?

Rome may have been able to equip and field a large armies but the medieval soldier could be assured that his sword and armor was made of better metal. The Roman cavalry may have been numerous but their medieval descendants had larger shod horses ridden by people with high saddles and stirrups.

Was the rise of gunpowder weapons a military revolution?

The rise of gunpowder weapons has often been talked about as a military revolution, although from our perspective it was a slow moving one, taking generations. Introduced into Europe in the early fourteenth century, even by the end of the fifteenth century these weapons could prove to be slow and difficult to wield effectively.

What were the most important weapons in the Middle Ages?

The sword places first on our list of the most important weapons in the Middle Ages, not just because it was so widely used in this period, but because so many medieval cultures viewed it as a symbol of military strength and power.

Why was the sword so important in the Middle Ages?

No weapon is more associated with the Middle Ages than the sword. It was used throughout the medieval world, and as Sue Brunning explains, was more than just a weapon: Every culture that has made and used swords has viewed them as extraordinary objects.