Neo-Assyrian Infantry Numbers

[jwb14feb]

Hello, I have enjoyed reading the evolution of the Assyrian armies through the various lists.  The labelling of one of them as "Middle Assyrian" and the next one as merely Assyrian' may cause confusion in the chronology.  Large numbers of infantry appear available in the lists before and after the Neo_assyrian list but the Neo-Assyrian list has very few infantry options.  Not counting levy or poor spearmen, the numbers are as follows: Middle Assyrian ~72 spearmen of various forms; Assyrian ~72, Neo-Assyrian ~34  and the Sargonid ~90.  Is this limitation an error or purposeful?  In appreciation.

[lionheartrjc]

Purposeful. 

I think the answer is in your question - you have excluded levy and poor spearmen (of which the Neo-Assyrian can have plenty).  The Neo-Assyrian can also draw upon infantry from its vassal allies.

Apologies for the labelling.  The "Assyrian" list might be better labelled as "Later Middle Assyrian".

Richard

[jwb14feb]

Thanks for the rapid response.  I suppose the large numbers of levy may balance it out but the notes mention "The Assyrian forces at this time became a professional standing army."  yet the numbers available don't equate, especially when compared to earlier (non-standing army) times. Cheers.