Syrakousai (Hannibal at the Gates) Hoplite/Pike Infantry

Phroura Tyrannou

Meaning shield bearer or shield carrier, the Macedonian hypaspist developed out of the foot squires of the Companion cavalry. Rising to prominence under Alexander the Great, these chosen foot soldiers were equipped more like their hoplite predecessors than the new sarissa-armed phalangite infantry of the Macedonian phalanx. Armoured in linothorax, a cuirass of linen reinforced with metal, and a helmet, greaves and the apsis shield, they were more heavily equipped than their phalangite counterparts. Even with the increased weight, the shield bearer’s armament of spears and short kopis swords made them more flexible in battle than the less manoeuvrable phalangite. Because of this they usually guarded the vulnerable flank of such sarissa-armed phalanxes and, as an elite body, held the place of honour on the army’s right flank between the phalangites and the Companion cavalry. Alexander’s hypaspists influenced the adoption of such units by many of his Successors, and their use continued within the Macedonian army for quite some time. Eventually the shield bearer role developed into a rank of lower staff officers spread throughout the army, reporting directly to the king.

Unit Name Phroura Tyrannou

Main Unit Key Syr_Royal_Guard

Land Unit Key Syr_Royal_Guard

Naval Unit Key pel_transport

Soldiers 200

Category Melee Infantry

Class Hoplite/Pike Infantry

Custom Battle Cost 1265

Recruitment Cost 1265

Upkeep Cost 253

Melee Attack 34

Weapon Damage 9

├ Melee Weapon spear4

├ Weapon Damage 9

├ Weapon Deadliness 0

├ Armour Piercing No

├ Bonus vs. Cavalry 4

├ Bonus vs. Elephants 10

└ Bonus vs Infantry 0

Charge Bonus 19

Melee Defence 78

├ Base Defence 26

├ Shield shield7

└ Shield Defence 52

Armour 16

├ Armour arm9

├ Armour Defence 16

└ Shield Armour 0

Health 20

├ Man Entity hoplite_heavy

├ Man Health 20

└ Bonus Hit Points 0

Base Morale 65

Abilities

• Stamina (poor)
  Governs how fast the unit tires and restores fatigue, and is dependent on type of unit, weight and approach to combat.
• Phalanx
  The unit enters a defensive formation that increases frontal defense but the unit's movement speed and attack are reduced

Attributes

• Disciplined
  This unit does not suffer a morale penalty when the general dies. It can also rally after routing more often.
• Hide (forest)
  This unit can hide in forests until enemy units get too close.
• Expert Charge Defence
  This unit’s melee attack and damage are increased against charging enemies.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Very poor hull strength
• Very slow speed
• Weak ramming

• Very good defensive unit
• Low damage but average armour penetration
• Average attack
• Good morale

Requires Buildings
Lv. 0	Hoplite Barracks (rom_HELLENIC_military_main_heavy_3) Level 2
Lv. 1	Royal Barracks (rom_HELLENIC_military_main_heavy_4) Level 3

Faction Availability
Grand Campaign	Syrakousai Syrakousai Nobles
Samnite Wars	Poleis Hellenikoi (Samnite Wars)
Hannibal at the Gates	Syrakousai (Hannibal at the Gates) Syrakousai Nobles (Hannibal at the Gates)