The funniest vid i've seen...

[Sandinista]

I thought the Ottoman army did rather well in the 15th/16th/17th centuries

[mollinary]

I've had that this morning. Was at work so probably blocked.

Just type in 'top 10 armies of all time' on youtube

I'd like to say thank you - but having just watched it I am rather lost for words!     

Mollinary

[fsn]

I think they're being far too general. How about (in no particular order)

• Wellington's Peninsula Army
• Russian Army 1944-45
• Ottoman Army sometime (not my forte)
• Alexander's Macedonians
• Attilla's Huns
• Swedish Army of Gustavus Adolphus
• Frederick the Great's Prussians
• Napoleon's Grande Armee of 1809
• Mongols of Genghis Khan
• British Expeditionary Force, 1914

I've excluded the German Army of WWII 'cos although bits of it were excellent, most of it relied on the horse and was outdated compared to the Allied armies.  I've also tried to be quite specific about a time period.

Bugger: I forgot the Romans!

[ronan]

(...)
Bugger: I forgot the Romans!

No Aztecs in this list ? 

sorry, I'm taking my coat and going away... -> [ ]   

[Fenton]

Nor sure about the BEF 1914

How about the Army of the Qin Dynasty  or Thutmose III or Ashoka?

[clibinarium]

This kind of thing always seems misconceived to me; how do you meaningfully compare armies operating centuries apart in disparate circumstances, from different societies with varying levels of technology? Any suppose you do come up with a list that tells you the Wehrmacht were better than Atilia's Huns: what the hell does that even mean? . Who was smarter; Einstein or Shakespeare?

I used to see a lot of this kind of discussion on forums relating to the "Total War" series on PC, where people would argue endlessly about stuff like who was better the Samurai or the European Knight. What's the context? where are they fighting, Japan or Europe? What year is it? Won't the Samurai force be much bigger? Won't they deploy their Ashigaru armed with muskets en masse.  All these elements are usually dealt with in a Deadilest Warrior fashion and they are fighting on some abstract plain. Its effectively a highly up-gunned version of "my Dad could take your Dad". I am not saying that there's nothing to be learned from abstract comparison, but it doesn't tell you anything much worth knowing, all it really is useful for is a spur for discussion. Out of place and time what does it mean to compare people doing anything; nearly everything we do depends on where and when we are.

I've listed to people heatedly debate the order of FHM's 100 sexiest women, when it would be more sensible to step back and day "actually, you know what? they are all gorgeous"

[fsn]

I'll take those. I'm very aware of my Euro-centricity.

I have a history of China ready to read, but it's a bit daunting.

Not sure about any Egyptian armies. Lot more bluster than I would like, and every campaign was hailed as a victory.

However, I would defend the BEF as being a very well trained, professional army. It was just very small.

[fsn]

Dear Mr Clibinarium

Totally agree. However, I find that this kind of discussion generates an interesting discussion which can be informative and thought provoking. It helps us to challenge our conceptions and opens us to new ideas.  

I'd love someone to advocate any American army and defend the decision.

[Fenton]

After watching the programme about the terracotta warriors last night I would love to see a Qin Army by Pendraken

[Ithoriel]

After watching the programme about the terracotta warriors last night I would love to see a Qin Army by Pendraken

I'll second both the desire and the reason - excellent programme IMHO.

[Techno]

I've made those once.....It was just that I got the scale completely wrong.

(I'd be well enthused to make them at the proper scale, if Sir decided I was allowed to though.)

But that really WAS a damn good program last night !!
Thoroughly enjoyed that !....Fascinating stuff.

Cheers - Phil.

[paulr]

I think they're being far too general. How about (in no particular order)

<snip interesting list>

Bugger: I forgot the Romans!

What have the Romans ever done for us?

[Ithoriel]

What have the Romans ever done for us?

Splitter!

[Ithoriel]

I've made those once.....It was just that I got the scale completely wrong.

(I'd be well enthused to make them at the proper scale, if Sir decided I was allowed to though.)

But that really WAS a damn good program last night !!
Thoroughly enjoyed that !....Fascinating stuff.

Cheers - Phil.

Not many Bronze Age armies were obliging enough to not only leave us evidence of their weapons and armour but also their hair styles, uniform colour choices and battle formations!!!!

Though if you were allowed to do it Phil we'd expect 8,000 figures and for every figure to be different right down to the shape of the ears

[Techno]

What have the Romans ever done for us?

Brought peace ?

Though if you were allowed to do it Phil we'd expect 8,000 figures and for every figure to be different right down to the shape of the ears

Go away !!

Cheers - Phil