10-30-2006, 09:59 AM
If the First Crusade could muster 100,000 volunteers in such a short timeframe in the 11th C and migrate them all the way to the Middle East from all over Europe, why couldn't Xerxes get say 500,000 together and take them to Greece, especially if he had years to plan and get ready supplies? By the time the entire First Crusade contingent had reached the Middle East their numbers, I understand, included 500,000 footmen on foreign soil.
Given years to prepare, I don't see why the figure of millions is unattainable for Xerxes. I know non-combatants are included in the First Crusade figure, but it is an example of mass migration to war on an unprecedented scale, and in that case consisted of mostly volunteers and unprepared amateurs who felt a duty to a cause.
If Xerxes' plans were widely known in the Persian Empire I woud imagine that all of his eligible subjects would be able to personally prepare over a few years for the likelihood of having to go. Given the First Crusade's 500,000 over one year, simple maths says that millions is not unattainable for Xerxes over say 5 years?
Given years to prepare, I don't see why the figure of millions is unattainable for Xerxes. I know non-combatants are included in the First Crusade figure, but it is an example of mass migration to war on an unprecedented scale, and in that case consisted of mostly volunteers and unprepared amateurs who felt a duty to a cause.
If Xerxes' plans were widely known in the Persian Empire I woud imagine that all of his eligible subjects would be able to personally prepare over a few years for the likelihood of having to go. Given the First Crusade's 500,000 over one year, simple maths says that millions is not unattainable for Xerxes over say 5 years?
TARBICvS/Jim Bowers
A A A DESEDO DESEDO!
A A A DESEDO DESEDO!
