Why doesn't Arco have Phalangites (Pikemen) ?

[Keir Maxwell]

Good stuff PDF.

You can give a unit a two handed weapon and a shield - you just shouldn't normally.

Selucid (and Macedonian) pikes were very definitly two handed weapons of much greater length than than 8-10 footers habitually used by Hopilites. However it was possible to fight using a two handed pike in rigid formation while having a shield slung over your shoulder (not a big one) and your arm through the grip but still holding the pike shaft. Another example of somehting similar is Varangian Guardsmen and Anglo Danish Huskarls of whom we have accounts fighting with a two handed axe and a kite shield hung over the in such a fashion that they could maintian it in a useful position while atrtakcing in a reptitive downward chopping motion operating in close order.

Selucid Kataphracts varied in morale and equipment and if you want a rough break down of the different unit catergories (Companions, Agema, Line Cavalry) let me know.

cheers

Keir

[ January 18, 2004, 02:01: Message edited by: Keir Maxwell ]