Wow this was a really detailed account of the military operations driving the economy of the times. It was interesting how the Bronze and then later Iron smelting technology was used to support the war efforts. Also interesting how the precious metal coinage was used to fund the mercenaries, which created the whole Military-Coinage-Slavery-Complex. The whole economy centered around this process.
Its kind of interesting how throughout the ages so little has changed. Mainly just the technology changes, yet not mankind.