Aspidophoroi (Hellenistic Reformed Javelin Cavalry) | |
---|---|
Unit type | Javelin Cavalry |
Base cost | 40 Food, 60 Wealth, 20 Timber |
Ramping cost | 4 Wealth, 1 Timber |
Creation time | 20 seconds |
Hit points | 185 |
Line of sight | 8 |
Movement speed | 38 |
Attack strength | 37 |
Attack range | 0-7 |
Armour | 11 |
Population cost | 1 Population |
Created at | Stable |
Prerequisites | Level 1 Reforms |
Upgrades from | none |
Upgrades to | none |
Available to | Macedonians Epirotes |
These cavalrymen may fight with javelins but they certainly aren't a skirmishing unit. The Aspidophoroi are professional soldiers who throw heavy javelins, wear armour and carry large shields. This makes them highly damaging against melee infantry and civilians, and able to last longer against a melee. However, they still share the same vulnerabilities as other ranged cavalry against melee cavalry, and they will be cut down by spearmen if they are allowed to get too close.
History
Historically, the Aspidophoroi were a unique type of cavalry adopted by the Hellenistic successor states who combined skirmishing with melee combat. They would first throw their javelins to soften up the enemy formation, and after they used them all, they would then close in with their swords and provide support to the shock cavalry. They were never used enough though to be a particularly decisive force.