Auxiliary Persian Cavalry

Recruitment Cost 640
Upkeep Cost 130
Melee Attack 40
Weapon Damage 25
Bonus vs. Large 10
Charge Bonus 67
Melee Defence 15
Armour 40
Health 95
Base Morale 60
Strengths & Weaknesses
  • Very good charge
  • Low damage but average armour penetration
  • Weak in prolonged melee
  • Good morale
Description

Very few Persians were professional soldiers and, apart from the earlier elite Achaemenid Immortals and some mercenary hoplites, none were formally trained or drilled. Instead, troops were levied by rich land owners as an obligation during times of war. Levied infantry included slingers, archers and javelin throwers, all wearing little armour but some with shields for protection. As might be expected due to the local terrain, cavalry was an important component in an eastern army, and several types were raised. Lighter cavalry wore iron or bronze scale armour over a tunic; these mounted warriors carried javelins and a sword but had no shield. Horse archers were used to wear down infantry with fast, ruthless attacks. Heavy cavalry included a royal bodyguard. The Parthians, and later the Sassanid Persians, developed all-over horse armour to protect their valued steeds as well as the fearsome cataphract warriors. These were as armoured as any late medieval knight.

Requires
Buildings
Regions
Harmozia Edessa Oraea Rhaga Persepolis Jerusalem Bam Seleucia Ekbatana Phrada Oraea Hatra Amul Side Gazaca Pura Merv Susa Artacoana Bam Harmozia Alexandria Arachosia Gor Pura Tarsus Tyros Merv Phrada Kapisene Charax Artacoana
Faction Availability