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Rhodioi Epilektoi RhodosRhodos Hoplite/Pike Infantry

Rhodioi Epilektoi

(Rhodian Picked Hoplites)

Elite hoplite units are common in ancient Greek armies. The Rhodioi Epilektoi are Rhodian hoplites picked by the Rhodian state for their abilities and valour.

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.

Rhodioi Epilektoi

Unit Name

Rhodioi Epilektoi

Main Unit Key

Rhodian_Elite_Infantry

Land Unit Key

Rhodian_Elite_Infantry

Naval Unit Key

pel_transport

Soldiers

200

Category

Melee Infantry

Class

Hoplite/Pike Infantry

Custom Battle Cost

1185

Recruitment Cost

1185

Upkeep Cost

237

Melee Attack

33

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

17

Melee Defence

86

├ Base Defence

34

├ Shield

shield7

└ Shield Defence

52

Armour

14

├ Armour

arm8

├ Armour Defence

14

└ Shield Armour

0

Health

20

├ Man Entity

hoplite_heavy

├ Man Health

20

└ Bonus Hit Points

0

Base Morale

60

Abilities

Rhodioi Epilektoi
  • Stamina (low)
    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

Transport
  • Very poor hull strength
  • Very slow speed
  • Weak ramming
Rhodioi Epilektoi
  • Very good defensive unit
  • Low damage but average armour penetration
  • Average attack
  • Good morale
Requires Buildings
Rhodioi Epilektoi Lv. 0 Hoplite Barracks
Hoplite Barracks
(rom_HELLENIC_military_main_heavy_3)
Level 2
Rhodioi Epilektoi Lv. 1 Royal Barracks
Royal Barracks
(rom_HELLENIC_military_main_heavy_4)
Level 3
Faction Availability
Grand Campaign
Macedonian Wars