Ancient army numbers

[Ghostmojo]

... As for water, Greece has a lot of water, many streams and rivers in regular distances ...

Perhaps - but in August? I still think this water issue needs greater examination. Remember the whole manouevring around prior to Plataia revolved around two issues:

(a) the total lack of allied Greek cavalry

and

(b) the need for reliable water supplies

Access to the lower Gargaphia Spring, motivated by the Persians keeping the allied Greeks away from the River Asopos, played a major part in dispositions. Both Plataia and Thermopylai were fought in August.