[Public Research] Elam

[Automatix]

Here you can help to SOI team with this mod. If you have some helpful info, so give it here.

Thanks to all.

[Asaiyah]

I thought I would tackle Elam since there are no posts in here.

The following is from the first battle between Assyria and Elam c. 715 BC

The two armies, which were to meet for the first time, were unequally equipped. The Elamite infantry soldier possessed no armour, whereas mail coats were worn by the heavy Assyrian archers : he carried a light shield as against the big Assyrian shield, while his head was protected by a low helmet without a crest and a large horse-hair plume. His arms consisted of a bow smaller than that used by the Assyrians, a lance, a mace, and a dagger. His chariot was much lighter than that of Assyria and his force of cavalry very small. Finally, as the Elamite army was mainly composed of independent or semi-independent allies from the mountain ranges surrounding the plain of Susa, it is obvious that, while bravery was not lacking, there could not have been the same cohesion or organization as in the host of Assyria, which had marched to victory all over the Near East.

It's also important to note that at this time Elam was allied with Babylon against the Assyrians. Although at the turn of the century 700BC and below - the Elamites sacked Babylonia under Khalludush and captured the Babylonian King's son in the process.

Later, Khalludush was deposed and Kudur-Nankhundi took his place. He was weak and watched as the Assyrians tore through most of Elam. He was murdered by his own people (for obvious reasons).

Kudur-Nankhundi was succeeded by his younger brother Umman-Minanu. He restored the Babylonian alliance to strengthen the defense against Assyria. But by this time it was too little too late. Babylon fell, but Elam remained a power until c. 665 B.C. when civil war broke out. Teumman was the leader of the Elamites during this time and was soon killed by the next Assyrian invasion (he tried to flee on a chariot).

Elam 651 B.C. Tammaritu, brother of Khumbanigash, conspired against him, and after putting him to death seized the throne. After another revolt Tammaritu fled and was captured by the Assyrians. Indabugash seized command. He was murdered a decade later.

After this Assyria finally conquered Elam. I know this is a bit long and boring, but it has the names of a few kings. The history is dicey because Elam was a rather loosely-independent faction of nobles trying to become a ruler. Their warfare involved raiding and subterfuge (including assassinations). When they did assemble an army, their main force was archers followed by some chariots and horse-cavalry. Lastly the infantry described above was usually light infantry.

For game purposes, Elam army seems to be quick and lightly armored. Able to move fast, raid a settlement and return home. Their archers and light infantry probably should have a combat bonus in woods as well. I know the Assyrians had horse archers, and it is likely the Elamites did as well, but maybe not to the same extent. Royal family members seem to have ridden into battle in chariots.