Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?
This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.
Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
Do you think the Muslim world’s proximity to Africa and use of Slavic slaves gave them a big advantage in warring against Europeans? They had a constant supply of slaves in their economy. I wonder how they would have done in war if they had no slaves supplying them constant boosts in productivity.
Janissary/mameluke-style military slaves performed well in battle, so possibly yes. The Ottomans were by far the strongest force in the Muslim world, probably in part because they made good use of actual Europeans fighting for them.
Without steppe nomads or Europeans, Muslim combat power seemed to be quite low.
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link