Yes, I suppose logistics are the big problem with Herodotus’ numbers. I imagine supply for an army that size would be complicated even with modern transportation, let alone when everything had to be transported by foot, horse, or (sail and oar-powered) ship.
Herodotus does mention that Xerxes’ army was starving towards the end, but I guess that too doesn’t argue for an a nearly two-million man army.
Yes, I suppose logistics are the big problem with Herodotus’ numbers. I imagine supply for an army that size would be complicated even with modern transportation, let alone when everything had to be transported by foot, horse, or (sail and oar-powered) ship.
Herodotus does mention that Xerxes’ army was starving towards the end, but I guess that too doesn’t argue for an a nearly two-million man army.
An army who is losing on enemy territory will usually starve no matter its size.