Why were mobile animal herders not necessarily a threat to town life?

It's not entirely accurate to say that mobile animal herders were not necessarily a threat to town life. While they may not have posed the same direct military threat as organized armies, there were several ways in which they could have been disruptive and even dangerous to towns:

* Competition for resources: Pastoralists often sought grazing lands for their animals, sometimes encroaching on lands used by settled farmers. This could lead to conflict over resources like water and pastures.

* Disease transmission: Herds could carry diseases that could spread to townspeople and their livestock.

* Raiding and pillaging: While not always the case, some pastoral groups engaged in raiding towns for supplies and livestock, creating instability and fear.

* Political instability: The presence of large mobile groups could destabilize local power structures and contribute to conflict within and between towns.

However, it's important to consider the complexities of the relationship between mobile herders and towns:

* Trade and exchange: Mobile herders often traded goods like wool, hides, and dairy products with towns, providing valuable resources and contributing to local economies.

* Military alliances: Pastoral groups sometimes formed alliances with towns for mutual protection and support.

* Cultural exchange: Interaction between pastoralists and townspeople could lead to cultural exchange and the spread of ideas and technologies.

In summary, the relationship between mobile herders and towns was not always adversarial and could be mutually beneficial. However, there were also potential for conflict and disruption due to competition for resources, disease transmission, and the possibility of raiding. The nature of this relationship varied significantly based on specific historical contexts and the individual groups involved.