Armored Hoplites (RTW unit)
Armoured hoplites are an elite among Greek soldiery, carefully selected and given the best training to make them superior spearmen.
Overview
Armored hoplites are an elite among Greek soldiery, carefully selected and given the best training to make them superior spearmen. Each of them is equipped with good body armor, greaves and a helmet and carries a large round shield, the hoplon that gives this kind of soldier the name of hoplite. Each man is also armed with a formidable thrusting spear called the xyston and a sword. They are usually employed as solid, close-packed groups of men, presenting a wall of spear points to the enemy. In phalanx formation, they use weight of numbers to batter into enemy formations.
They are vulnerable to flank and rear attacks, and ideally need some sort of light supporting troops to screen them as they approach the enemy.
Details
Armored Hoplites are the most defense-orientated infantry recruited by the Greek City-States. These units have the highest defense statistic of any infantry preceded or succeeded by them. Armored Hoplites are practically indestructible when attacked from the front in a phalanx formation. The flanks are rear of these units are not so sturdy, especially in a phalanx. Armored Hoplites are great for forming an unmovable battle line, but usually will require other units to support their sides. Along with almost all other hoplites, Armored Hoplites are best suited for a defense battle or siege.
Armored Hoplites lean towards a somewhat above average cost, and require a city to build, but still appear much earlier than infantry of comparable quality such as Legionary Cohort. This makes them the most important unit recruitable for the Greeks.