AskHistorians

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In the Hellenistic era, how "Greek" were the successor states actually in terms of people? Like were their armies comprised mainly of "Hellenes" or just locals trained in the Hellenic fashion? Were people actually imported to settle these newly conquered lands or again just "Hellenized" locals?	13
In the early 2nd Century BC, Rome was a relatively moderate power in the Mediterranean; however, it had a near inexhaustible supply of manpower. In the words of Plutarch, " As a fountain gushing forth". Where did this vast supply come from and how was it so much greater than others if it was?	12
What was the reception of the general public in the United States when the US left the gold standard? With every dollar no longer being backed by gold/silver, did they see this as a worrying event that marked a loss of economic power? Or generally indifferent?	10
What secrets were revealed in the Eleusinian Mysteries? Were there any actual "secrets" or was this more of a festival?	9
How famous were Olympic athletes in Antiquity? Were they household names throughout the social classes of Hellenic society? Were they well known abroad in say Persia or Carthage or only amongst Hellenes as only they were competing?	7
Horses were known to be very difficult to transport by water in Antiquity. If this is the case, how were elephants able to be effectively loaded, transported, and unloaded?	7
English archers were seen as soldiers of the peasant class. After the Hundred years' War, Agincourt especially, was it ever prestigious to be an English archer?	6
Did Benjamin Franklin really create a Longbow Corps in the Continental Army during the American Revolution?	5
When and why did the use of Slingers in warfare die out? The use of slingers was proficient and widespread through antiquity with Balearic and Rhodian slingers being of note. It seems their use dwindles leading into the early middle ages, is this true? And if so, why?	5
How late was the Hoplite/Phalangite style of warfare used in antiquity? Were any armies still using this style of warfare after the Hellenistic era?	3

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