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.
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 |
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 |
86 |
├ Base Defence 34 |
├ Shield shield7 |
└ Shield Defence 52 |
14 |
├ Armour arm8 |
├ Armour Defence 14 |
└ Shield Armour 0 |
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
- 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 | |
Macedonian Wars |