technology changes the game by making it easier to commit systematic mass murder.
Not to mention the simple expedient of having more people around.
As a percentage of the population, the Thirty-Years War, at least nominally between the Catholics and Protestants in 17th century Germany, was the bloodiest in history, with estimates of 20% to 25% of the population dying.
As far as I know, Pol Pot’s government “wins” the democide contest, having killed off about 30% of the Cambodian population.
Not to mention the simple expedient of having more people around.
As a percentage of the population, the Thirty-Years War, at least nominally between the Catholics and Protestants in 17th century Germany, was the bloodiest in history, with estimates of 20% to 25% of the population dying.
As far as I know, Pol Pot’s government “wins” the democide contest, having killed off about 30% of the Cambodian population.