2. any decline in general prosperity or even an unusual and
unwelcome event was attributed to supernatural anger at the
failings of the ruler. Sickness, an eclipse, late rainfall, a
volcanic eruption, earthquake, the discovery of a deformed
elephant, disasters like drought or famine, warfare which
maintained a great state placed a heavy burden on peasant
society.
• It was the peasants who supplied the ranks of the armies, it
was their crops and cattle which were seized for supplies, and
it was they who could be carried off by opposing armies to be
sold as slaves in distant lands or to increase the manpower of
rival kings.