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Tanukhids Military Tier 1

Kataphractoi

The eastern kingdoms eschewed columns of infantry in favour of a dominant cavalry force able to outmanoeuvre and harass infantry on the plains of the east. Their cavalry took many forms, fielding short swordsmen, light skirmishers and archers, but the most effective weapon was the lance, particularly amongst the cataphract elite. The kontos was a wooden lance, roughly four metres in length, and was much stronger than contemporary Roman and Hellenistic lances. The term 'kataphractoi' is of Greek origin and can be interpreted as 'fully-armoured' or 'closed from all sides'. In military terms, it described heavily-armoured cavalrymen. These shock troops were first fielded as part of Darius’ army at Gaugalema in 352BC. Both rider and mount required excellent stamina, as they were completely enclosed by metal scale armour - and in desert heat too! Cataphract cavalry could use their weight and armour to penetrate an enemy line, but were far less agile than regular horsemen as a result. According to Plutarch, the strength of the lance and the power the rider put behind it meant that, purportedly, it could skewer two men at once!

Node Set Military Tier 1

research_points 0

cost_per_round 0

Effects

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Enables
Enables Technologies	Forced Conscription
Enables Buildings	Cavalry Corral Training Grounds Levy Camp Militia Quarters