I think the assumption that past rivals are dumb, as we tend to roll over the details. I think overall there’s an assumption that modern humans = better.
Looking at contemporary history, there are dramatic differences in power dynamic between different human cohorts. There’s nothing that separates the biological abilities of any two populations on earth, but the one with the machine guns and artillery will always beat the guy with a bow and spear.
Look at the fate of the indigenous people of the americas. Europe didn’t send its best people, but disease, better weapons and toxic politics carried the age.
The muskets (arquebuses) used by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century were even slower than that. They were lucky to fire 2 rounds per minute. But they also had crossbows, steel weapons, armor, and horses — as well as tactical doctrine which completely outclassed any of the primitive New World civilizations.
But disease did wipe out the majority of their adversaries, so they had a relatively easy time dealing with the survivors.
Looking at contemporary history, there are dramatic differences in power dynamic between different human cohorts. There’s nothing that separates the biological abilities of any two populations on earth, but the one with the machine guns and artillery will always beat the guy with a bow and spear.
Look at the fate of the indigenous people of the americas. Europe didn’t send its best people, but disease, better weapons and toxic politics carried the age.