Game Info
The Persian unique front-line unit. Replaces the Spearman.
- Common abilities:
- Bonus vs Mounted (50) (50% Bonus vs Mounted)
- Special abilities
- Heals at Double Rate
- Special traits:
- Extra Strength (12 vs. 11
Melee strength)
- Extra Strength (12 vs. 11
Strategy
The Immortal lives up to its name thanks to its ability to heal twice as fast as any other unit. However, the 2x bonus does not apply to any healing received through friendly territory or the Medic promotion (either its own or another unit's; for example, an Immortal with Medic II will gain back 25 HP outside of friendly territory rather than 30). This means that if it's in friendly territory, the Immortal will regain 30 (or 35, if in a city) HP per turn! While the promotion's description would be more accurate if it read "+10 HP when healing," it is still very valuable, especially early in the game. With this ability, the Persians can engage in early combat and recover roughly twice as fast as the enemy units. Use that to your advantage, especially when clearing Barbarian encampments!
They retain their special trait when they upgrade.
Civilopedia entry
The Persian Immortals were an elite heavy infantry unit. Kept constantly at a strength of 10,000 men, they formed the heart of the Persian (Achaemenid) army. The Immortals fought under Cyrus the Great, Cambyses, and Darius the Great; when not in combat they acted as the Persian Palace Guard. The Immortals were armed with short spears, swords, bow and arrows. They carried light shields and wore scale mail armor. According to Herodotus, "Every man glittered with the gold that he carried in unlimited quantity. They were accompanied by covered carriages full of their women and servants, all elaborately fitted out. Special food, separate from the rest of the army, was brought along for them..."
Trivia
- "μυριάδες" means both "10,000" and "infinite," which makes it very fitting for the Immortals.
- The name "Immortal" came from the illusion created by any man who retired, was wounded, or was killed in battle being replaced faster than anyone could notice, making people think they were truly immortal.