The funniest vid i've seen...

[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

[Hertsblue]

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.

So it was you who planted all those figures in China? Why didn't you put them near Pembroke and make a bit of money on the side? 

[Techno]

Didn't have time Ray....
Had to get out of there 'toot sweet'.
Did anyone bother to tell me they were supposed to be useable on the table top....Not guards for his necropolis ?
I think not !!
You saw what he did to the other poor sods.....I wasn't hanging around for that.

I'm looking forward to the day they dig up some of the other pits....I did some free form 'chaosy' bits for those....
Those will have the archaeologists scratching their heads. 

Cheers - Terry Kotta.

[fsn]

 

[Ithoriel]

Very good Phil, very good

[Techno]

I still blame the then interpreter, 'Hee Sey Wah', for the confusion over the scale of the figures.

Really nice chap....Had a really bad accident...When he and his mate 'Wi Tu Lo' tried to escape the area, by flying an early model two-man hang-glider out of there.
(I really have lost it again...haven't I ?)
Cheers - Phil.

[Ithoriel]

I think fsn has hacked Techno's account 

[fsn]

 

[Zippee]

Wow I'm so pleased to learn that redcoats were all NCOs and served from 1760 to 1860 - must have been a tad elderly by the end. We'll have to remake Zulu now, clearly they fought in khaki and best to ignore Marlborough and what not heh!

My, my didn't Napoleon do well with only 30,000 men - must have been because the redcoats would be well into their sixties by then!

[Techno]

I think fsn has hacked Techno's account 

I think he's hacked my mind.
Cheers - Phil

[Hertsblue]

How can you tell?