Whilst my mind was adrift, it alighted upon the best army ever.

So what, it asked, would be the best army ever? I'm thinking pre-mechanised, when the difference between tank types masks the difference.

For example, I always liked Welllington's Peninsula army, but consider it weak in cavalry - especially in the early days. I have a fondness for Greek Hoplite armies, but am well aware of their vulnerability in the flanks. The army of Henry V in what became the Agincourt campaign was well structured, but too small to take on anything but a chevauchee.

So what, in your humble opinions, was the best pre-mechanised army - and why?

I will go for an obvious one - Wellington's 1814 army. Balanced, experienced, confident and with the British and Portuguese elements well integrated. Certainly by 1814, it was facing a struggling France, but the Duke had the 1814 army well tuned.

I think I will go with the Mongol Army of Chinggis Khan.

Excellent cavalry of all types, the phenomenal composite bow, that gave them huge firepower. supported by the clever Chinese engineers, and eventually to conquer the second largest empire the world has ever seen.

Frederick's Prussians. Not unbeatable, but most likely of its day to win (I downgrade the Russians because of the paralysing effect of their having to get approval from distant political leaders before doing anything).

Agree with JaFOrcs, the Mongols during the conquest period is undeniably the best army in the pre-gunpowder era.

They defeated every opponent they encountered (with the exception of their invasions of Japan, where the weather conspired against them).  Their victories were tactical, strategic, and political/cultural.

Mongols - How would they have fared in mountainous terrain - not suitable for cavalry?
Frederick - Yup. Got to be up there.

The army of San Marino during the wars for Italian Unification. Went to war, recruited some Austrian deserters, came back with no casualties and more men than it started with! My sort of army

Quote from: Ithoriel on 02 October 2016, 10:34:39 AM
The army of San Marino during the wars for Italian Unification. Went to war, recruited some Austrian deserters, came back with no casualties and more men than it started with! My sort of army

Quote from: fsn on 02 October 2016, 10:25:30 AM
Mongols - How would they have fared in mountainous terrain - not suitable for cavalry?

They won. 

Yep - it's got to be the Mongols for me as well - and on every level from strategic to tactical

And apparently there are a lot of people today with a bit of Temujin in them - https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/mar/02/science.research

Second place would be Cassivellaunus' guerrilla force that put the kibosh on Julius Caesar's plan to conquer Briton in 54BC - ok there isn't a lot of info on it but to send home the core of the force, the warbands, and just keep the fast moving troops to make life hell for the Romans is no mean feat

The Israelite army during the conquest (partial) of Canaan circa 1200 BCE. Had one of the most rigorous and selective training programs ever. While weak in chariots possessed effective and committed light infantry, superb intelligence gather and special operations forces.
Employed sonic disrupters and time dilation effects.

Also, Wellington's Pennisular army (for reasons already given) plus great logistical and engineering services. Also capable of working reasonably well with local insurgencies

The Salvation Army. They make a point of not going round killing people.

Quote from: Luddite on 02 October 2016, 11:21:05 AM
They won.  

Generally know very little about the Mongols. Can you recommend any (short and cheap) sources?

I've always been suspicious of cavalry heavy armies. Think they're far more susceptible to terrain than infantry.

Quote from: d_Guy on 02 October 2016, 01:28:22 PM
The Israelite army during the conquest (partial) of Canaan circa 1200 BCE.

Interesting choice. Your choice of the word "partial" does shade your choice somewhat.

If I had used only the "Joshua" source it would have been complete conquest

@at Leman the Salvation Army also has pretty snappy uniforms which haven't changed much into the Mechanised era

Alexander the Great did quite well, but an army can only really be judged on how it performed in it's own time and level of technology.

Worms, especially the first edition of the game!