Royal Cataphracts

Recruitment Cost 1,450
Upkeep Cost 200
Melee Attack 50
Weapon Damage 27
Bonus vs. Large 10
Charge Bonus 76
Melee Defence 23
Armour 110
Health 120
Base Morale 65
Strengths & Weaknesses
  • Very good charge
  • Low damage but average armour penetration
  • Heavily armoured
  • Slowest cavalry
  • Good morale
Description

The Iranians and Persians pioneered armoured cavalry and the Seleucids were the first western, Hellenised power to see their merit for battle. Antiochus III, 223-187BC, used cataphracts to great effect at Panium in 200BC. His Egyptian enemies, led by Skopas of Aetolia, placed cavalry on the army's flanks to shield the infantry in the centre. A single charge from Antiochus’ cataphracts entirely scattered the Egyptian horse, exposing the Egyptian infantry's flanks and rear. They were unable to defend themselves against the next mighty charge; the entire Egyptian army broke, and Skopas fled to Sidon. This retreat marked the end of Ptolemaic rule in Judea.

Requires
Buildings
Faction Availability