Game Info
A Greek unique front-line unit. Replaces the Spearman.
- Common traits:
- Combat bonus vs Mounted (50%)
- Special traits:
- Extra strength (13 vs. 11)
Strategy
There's not much special about the Hoplite, besides its greater combat strength compared to the ordinary Spearman. Use it in the early game to obtain advantage over the enemy, especially if they utilize lots of mounted units. It is particularly useful against civs like the Mongols, who utilize lots of mounted units early game.
Historical Info
The Greeks mastered the art of spear warfare, creating long, deadly-sharp weapons and put them in the hands of highly trained hoplite soldiers moving in phalanx formation, which were nearly impossible for standard infantry or horsemen of the day to defeat. A soldier facing a Greek phalanx had to contend with not only the enemy he faced, but also with the spears of the two or three soldiers behind that enemy. The hoplite remained somewhat vulnerable to archery fire, of course, and it was nearly impossible to maintain a phalanx's formation in difficult terrain, but in flat, open terrain, the hoplites were extremely tough opponents.