Valid comparisons of history

This post is made in response to Brandon F's recent video which can be found here.

I agree, there is too much comparing of completely unrelated or obviously one-sided aspects of history. As you said, comparing a Spartan with a ninja is completely silly. Comparing the Dryse with a Brown Bess is silly. Here is a small list of some comparisons that can be accurately tested or have enough compatibility to compare.

Knight versus samurai and by extension longsword versus katana/tachi so long as the comparison is within the same time frame. This means one should compare a 14th century knight with a 14th century samurai, one should not generalize the time frame. As for why it is valid, there are plenty of similarities, namely status, with no direct contact. In regards to the related sword comparison, both should have the same length and weight to reduce variables in addition to being wielded by the same person in tests.

Imperial Rome versus Han China is a valid comparison because of the ability to compare armies, socioeconomic status, size, and length of rule. In addition, there was never direct contact between the two empires.

Comparing traditional bows is valid as long as they are contemporary. For example, English war-bow versus Mongolian horse-bow vs Japanese yumi is valid. Other required things to validly test comparisons is that the bows need to have the same draw weight and use the same type of arrow (functionally speaking). Also, the same person should shoot all bows in the test for consistency.

The following comparisons are valid so long as they are contemporary and are testing for reload and shooting speed as well as cost and maintenance:

-English longbow versus contemporary crossbow

-Latchet crossbow versus matchlock musket

-Dreyse needle rifle versus P53 Enfield rifled musket

Here is a list of the most anachronistic comparisons by time period but have valid tests

-Mounted archery versus mounted with a bolt-action rifle for comparing speed and

maneuverability.

-Roman scutum versus Norman kite shield for coverage and handling.

-Seax versus bowie knife because of status and shape.