Gladiators?

[P3D]

As Ermor/Pythium, they are really useful for the very initial expansion. Especially as EA Ermor which does not have as many options. 15-20 gladiators could clean up most indie provinces, and the net+trident ones are surprisingly effective against heavy cavalry. That means you'd attack two provinces in turn three not one. You start with an admin 60 Great City, and that extra province should bring you important resources plus some gold next turn.