User blog comment:El Alamein/Sargon of Akkad vs. Ashurbanipal/@comment-24.9.224.238-20140423193136

Sargon VS Ashurbanipal’s EDGE’s:

Close Range: Dagger v. Sword

The Dagger does have the reach over the sword, however the metallurgy of the sword is far more innovative then that of the dagger its Bronze versus Iron every one knows which one lasted longer, and its also double-edged.

EDGE: Ashurbanipal

Mid-Range: Spear (Sargon) v. Spear (Ashurbanipal)

Again its bronze versus Iron, the Spear Ashurbanipal used is much longer and that extra weight behind that Iron tip can make it easier to pierce the armor Sargon and his warriors wore.

EDGE: Ashurbanipal

Long Range: Bow & Arrow v. Composite Bow & Arrow

Obviously the composite bow is more advanced then the bronze tipped arrpws of the bow and arrow however having said that at the peak of Sargon’s reign the Sumerians had by far the strongest and most powerful bows and arrows, his archers were better trained then Ashurbanipal’s Assyrians, that training and the longevity of the Sumerians bow, give it my edge.

EDGE: Sargon of Akkad

Special: Sling v. Javelin

Its a rock versus a javelin, and Sargon was much stronger then Goliath in a word and I doubt the sling will cause any trauma to Sargon whereas the javelin is simpler to use and its always killing with almost every strike.

EDGE: Sargon of Akkad

Ex-Factors:

Clearly Ashurbanipal has the training, and is more brutal and intimidating then Sargon however I say if you look at Leadership that might have to be the most important ex-factor in every single fight because it revolves around the combat experience each warrior/general had and the tactics they used in battle. Ashurbanipal has dominance in the majority of ex-factors yet Sargon is the greater leader, still edge has to go to Ashurbanipal.

EDGE: Ashurbanipal

Overall Winner:

This is a tough decision, Ashurbanipal has the more lethal close range and mid-range weapons. He also clearly has the distinct advantages in metallurgy and in the ex-factors, However I say the overwhelming training the Sumerians had and power behind Sargon’s bow and also his javelin give him a the advantage at a far, However I can’t really say one is more lethal then the other based off of the weapons categories. It most come down to Sargon’s leadership his ability to lead his men in battle, to the point that although his was a strong disciplinarian, he was a more carrying and calm general in battlefield situations. Ashurbanipal as you said El Alamein was a warmonger his enemies feared him and even his own men trembled before his presence. The Deadliest Warrior is Sargon because of his bow and javelin combination as well as his greater leadership capabilities.

WINNER: Sargon of Akkad