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One bit of the argument appears to be related to maintenance of skills in writing Latin and in rhetoric etc - as if there is still the ability to learn/teach a high standard of Roman style education then this implies at least some rich (and powerful) individuals who would have a significant number of clients, and thus be able to raise a reasonable sized force.

Unfortunately I lack any idea of the details of such arguments....and thus if they shed any light on the question of size of societal units and their ability to muster armed force.

Quote from: Duncan Head on July 18, 2025, 06:09:36 PMhttps://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/07/ancient-dna-solves-mystery-of-hungarian-finnish-language-familys-origins/

intriguing

 

Quote from: RichT on July 18, 2025, 11:53:14 AMHmm. Gabriele Esposito is not a Professor.

In fairness, Gabriele Esposito appears to have been a contract professor of Medieval, Modern and Contemporary History at the "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania. A Professore a contratto, according to Wiki, is "usually a person of great professional experience that lacks an academic background". Though this doesn't mean that Mr Esposito does not have an academic qualification. Wiki also tells us that in 2020 there were 28,000 contract professors in Italian universities, so a more common role than professor would be in UK.

Quote from: Imperial Dave on July 18, 2025, 03:55:44 PMAnd a bit of pointing

Look!  That's the bit you need to paint, there!

And a bit of pointing

That's also a good site. My continued thanks

Awesome report

It was a very good way to spend a very wet afternoon.