armiesemerged

The emergence of armies refers to the historical process by which organized armed forces became a central institution in many polities. Distinct from irregular bands or raiding parties, armies are characterized by structured command, formal training, supply networks, and sanctioned funding. They serve purposes such as defense, conquest, enforcement of sovereignty, and projection of state power.

The emergence of armies is tied to state formation, urbanization, writing, taxation, and technological advances in weapons and transport. In the ancient world, city-states and empires developed standing forces to protect borders and enforce authority, including Egyptian chariot units, Assyrian troops, Roman legions, and Persian armies. In medieval Europe, feudal retinues evolved toward more centralized and professional forces, though local practice persisted. By the early modern era, several states established permanent, salaried armies with centralized control and standardized drill.

Industrialization and bureaucratic governance transformed armies in the 19th and 20th centuries, enabling mass conscription, rail- and telegraph-enabled mobilization, and professional corps. The result was larger, more centralized militaries capable of sustained campaigns and wider reach, shaping diplomacy, imperial ambitions, and the nature of total war. Armies became a foundational element of the modern state system, influencing political authority, social structure, and technology, while prompting ongoing debates about militarism, civil-military relations, and the ethics of organized force.