Gaetuli (Hannibal at the Gates) Spear Infantry

Numidian Elite Spearmen

Fabulous unit of chosen spearmen from all regions of Numidia

The thureos, a large oval-shaped shield, became common throughout the Hellenistic world from the 3rd century BC. Made from wood covered in hide, it differed from the earlier Greek hoplon in having a central handgrip, which was protected by a vertical spine running the length of the shield. This in turn could be further reinforced by the addition of a wide metal strip that protected the grip and the user’s hand. Inspired by the sub-rectangular and oval shields of the Celts, possibly through contact with the migrating Galatians, its usage seems to have spread through the Illyrian and Thracian tribes before it was adopted by the Greeks. Although large, the thureos was light in comparison to the traditional hoplon, and was adopted by heavily-armoured peltasts. Named after their shields, 'thureophoroi' could fight as common peltasts, skirmishing with javelins, but could also form up with their larger shields and longer spears in a similar fashion to a phalanx. The versatile and useful design of the thureos meant it was used by many armies, including the auxiliaries and cavalry of the later Roman Legions.

Abilities

Numidian Elite Spearmen

• Square
  The unit moves into a close square formation.
  Bracing, morale, melee defence
  Can't move
• Rapid Advance
  Improved unit movement speed over an extended period.
  Speed, acceleration, charge speed
  Exertion: fatigue
• Use the Whip
  Improved attack and fatigue resistance for a short time.
  Melee attack, weapon damage, fatigue resistance
  Exertion: fatigue
• Brace
  Target friendly units to improve their resistance against charges for a short time.
  Bracing, bonus vs cavalry

Attributes

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Transport

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

Numidian Elite Spearmen

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

Gaetuli (Hannibal at the Gates) Units
General (5)
1.Numidian Noble Cavalry
2.Numidian Noble Infantry
3.Numidian Elite Spearmen
4.Numidian Pseudo-Legionaires
5.Numidian Armoured Camelry
Melee Infantry (7)
6.Nubian Axe Warriors
7.Desert Swordsmen
8.Rusicade Light Axemen
9.Coastal Axe Marauders
10.Numidian Armoured Swords
11.Numidian Pseudo-Legionaires
12.Royal Swords of Siga
Missile Infantry (6)
13.Archers
14.Tribal Slingers
15.Tribesmen
16.Numidian Javelinmen
17.Massylian Archers of Cirta
18.Hippo Regius Slingers
Spear Infantry (8)
19.Numidian Noble Infantry
20.Numidian Spearmen
21.Desert Spearmen
22.Light Spears of Mount Aurasius
23.River Muluia Spearmen
24.Numidian Armoured Spears
25.Spears of Cirta
26.Numidian Elite Spearmen
Melee Cavalry (2)
27.Desert Camel Spearmen
28.Numidian Armoured Camelry
Missile Cavalry (4)
29.Numidian Cavalry
30.Numidian Noble Cavalry
31.Desert Camel Archers
32.Archers of River Tafna
Shock Cavalry (1)
33.Numidian Spear Camelry
Fixed Artillery (3)
34.African Giant Ballista
35.African Bastion Scorpion
36.African Scorpion (Fixed)
Field Artillery (6)
37.African Bastion Ballista
38.African Ballista
39.African Heavy Onager
40.African Bastion Onager
41.African Onager
42.Carthaginian Scorpion
Admiral (2)
43.Scorpion Trieres - Tribal Slingers
44.Assault Hexeres - Numidian Noble Infantry
Melee Ship (3)
45.Assault Hexeres - Numidian Noble Infantry
46.Fire Pot Dieres - Numidian Spearmen
47.Assault Dieres - Numidian Spearmen
Missile Ship (6)
48.Tower Penteres - Archers
49.Missile Penteres - Archers
50.Scorpion Trieres - Tribal Slingers
51.Missile Trieres - Tribal Slingers
52.Raiding Hemiolia - Libyan Javelinmen
53.Pursuit Trihemiolia - Libyan Javelinmen
Artillery Ship (2)
54.Artillery Penteres - African Ballista (Ship)
55.Artillery Penteres - African Onager (Ship)