Persian Cavalry

Recruitment Cost 760
Upkeep Cost 140
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
  • Good charge
  • Low damage but average armour penetration
  • Weak in prolonged melee
  • Average morale
Description

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.

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