Game Info
Unique mounted unit of the Greek civilization. Replaces the Horseman. Requires 
Horses Horses.
- Common abilities:
- Can Move After Attacking
- Penalty Attacking Cities (33)
- No Defensive Terrain Bonuses
- Special abilities:
- Great Generals I promotion (Combat Likely To Create Great Generals.)
- Special traits:
- Faster movement (+1)
- Extra strength (14 vs. 12)
Strategy
The main feature of the Companion Cavalry is its exceptional mobility. It has 5 MP rather than 4 MP for the standard Horseman, which makes it one of the most mobile units in the early game. A Companion Cavalry could appear out of nowhere, strike at a weak point, and then disappear again, leaving the enemy to wonder what's happened.
Also, Companion Cavalry produces Great Generals faster, so use it as much as possible. The Companion Cavalry loses the movement bonus when upgraded.
Civilopedia entry
The hetairoi, or "companion cavalry," were elite horsemen who accompanied Alexander the Great into battle. The term "hetairoi" derives from the name of the Macedonian aristocracy, and the companion cavalry came from only the best Macedonian families (though later this was expanded to include the nobility of allied and subject peoples). Each cavalryman carried a "xyston" (thrusting spear) and "kopis" (curved sword), and wore a bronze cuirass, shoulder pads, and helmet.
In battle, Alexander usually held back the companions until the enemy was fully engaged with his phalanx units. Alexander himself would then lead his companions against the enemy's flank or rear, sowing confusion and dismay in the enemy army. The opposing forces never found a satisfactory answer to this combination, and with it Alexander conquered most of the known world.