While we await an answer, I would like to make a meta comment to OP: This is not a stupid question! You have an honest curiosity about a subject in history and are seeking answers. Regardless of your level of historical knowledge, this reddit exists to help answer those questions wherever possible.

Please so not feel hesitant or shy about asking any honest question about history here.

You might be interested in this answer from u/reedstilt to a similar question.