Roman Cavalry (RTW Unit)

Roman Cavalry (RTW Unit)
Class	Light Cavalry
Unit Size	108
Weaponry	Spear, Sword
Morale	6, Normal, Highly Trained
Melee Attack	6, 7 (secondary)
Ranged Attack	N/A
Armour	6
Shield	4
Defence	15
Charge Bonus	5, 4 (secondary)
Accuracy	N/A
Range	N/A
Ammunition	N/A
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	520
Upkeep Cost	120
Turns to Build	1
Unit Limit	N/A
Building Requirements	Stables
Technology Requirements	Marian Reforms
Attributes	Can hide in Forests, Hardy

Roman cavalry are auxiliary spear-armed cavalry who have a screening role in a Roman army.

Overview

Roman cavalry are auxiliary spear-armed cavalry who have a screening role in a Roman army. They should be used against the flanks or rear of units, or to keep missile troops and skirmishers away from the main Roman heavy infantry (who are the real killers of a Roman army).

They wear little armour and only carry spears and shields. As a result, they can charge enemies, but may be cut to pieces by a prepared defensive line of spearmen if these were attacked head on.

Historically, Roman cavalry only came into existence after the army reforms of Gaius Marius as a replacement force for the equites. The property qualifications for fighting as cavalry in the army were abandoned and the army made professional. They were organised into 'wings' called alae rather than cohorts.

Details

Roman cavalry are a light cavalry unit in Rome Total War available to the Romans after the Marian Reforms. They are an excellent unit for a first tier stables; they are fast moving, have good morale and stamina, and have a very high defense that essentially makes them medium cavalry. Their high armour also improves their charge.

They can be used to chase down missile troops and flank infantry, but they are tough enough to handle most non spear infantry from the front without too much trouble. They also have the stamina and speed to chase most horse archers and the strength to crush them in melee once they catch them. When all is equal true heavy cavalry will defeat them, but not without taking a good amount of damage. Roman Cavalry continue to be useful even in the late game although Roman factions have heavier options that should be utilized as well.