Why are there so many types of phalangite units?

**Manuel I Komnenos** · December 21, 2011, 04:22 PM

I was playing as the Seleucid Empire in what seems a very interesting campaign. However, it kinda troubles me to see 4 different types of phalangites. Levy phalangites, katoikoi phalangites, pezhetairoi and argyraspidae. As far as I am aware the Seleucids deployed only katoikoi and argyraspidae phalangites. So, why do we need the rest?

**Lt.Speirs** · December 21, 2011, 04:31 PM

You COULD say the same thing about the Romans in RS2.. why 28 different legions... well I quess that its just awesome. Cant make more out of it.

**Ferdiad** · December 21, 2011, 04:41 PM

Diversity, Fun, Coolness, not to mention some of those might be AOR.

**Antiokhos Euergetes** · December 22, 2011, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by Manuel I Komnenos

I was playing as the Seleucid Empire in what seems a very interesting campaign. However, it kinda troubles me to see 4 different types of phalangites. Levy phalangites, katoikoi phalangites, pezhetairoi and argyraspidae. As far as I am aware the Seleucids deployed only katoikoi and argyraspidae phalangites. So, why do we need the rest?

A Seleukid taxis of Chrysaspides is mentioned by Polybius marching in the Daphnae parade of 166 BC (see sekunda (1994b) 14-15)
Then of course there is the Peltophoroi this could possibly also mean Pezhetairoi armed differently torest of phalanx !The reference to Pelte has nothing to do - in my opinion -of throwing javalins, but is refering to the smaller sheild. The Selukid army during the Bakrian campaign (208) had 10000 Peltasts or Caetrati and at Magnesia 4000 (Livy 37.40.14)

**Manuel I Komnenos** · December 22, 2011, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by Lt.Speirs

You COULD say the same thing about the Romans in RS2.. why 28 different legions... well I quess that its just awesome. Cant make more out of it.

It could be the same if the phalanx was divided in taxeis. The taxeis were usually recruited in regional level and carried shields of different color. But here we have 4 different types of phalanxes with different stats.

Originally Posted by Demetrius I Poliorketes

A Seleukid taxis of Chrysaspides is mentioned by Polybius marching in the Daphnae parade of 166 BC (see sekunda (1994b) 14-15)

And a unit of Chalkaspidae. The two units though are only mentioned in later eras, especially during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Especially the Chalkaspidae was one of the phalanx units of the Macedonian Kingdom and it seems that when the Macedonian Kingdom ceased to exist after the Battle of Pydna, he created a Chalkaspidae unit which he manned with Macedonians who fled from Macedonia proper. Their existence was probably short. The Seleucids though did not deploy levy phalanxes or pezhetairoi but only katoikoi phalangites.

**Antiokhos Euergetes** · December 22, 2011, 08:01 AM

I am more inclined to think the new units of Chalkaspidae were formed in honour of those of the Antigonids at Pydna

**Manuel I Komnenos** · December 22, 2011, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Demetrius I Poliorketes

I am more inclined to think the new units of Chalkaspidae were formed in honour of those of the Antigonids at Pydna

Yeah, I believe the same. My theory is that the unit also probably accepted several Macedonians who fled the Kingdom and desired to continue the fight against the Romans.

**Antiokhos Euergetes** · December 22, 2011, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by Manuel I Komnenos

Yeah, I believe the same. My theory is that the unit also probably accepted several Macedonians who fled the Kingdom and desired to continue the fight against the Romans.

History is full of examples of this eg the Anglo/Saxons who served as Varangoi and fought in Sicily against Normans

**Spike** · December 22, 2011, 08:15 AM

in game terms (n RSII stats not IRL)

Levy Phalangites = low level frickin militia phalanxes who can hold other troops at bay, but will be massacred against another phalangites
Katoikiai Phalangites = medium level militia phalanxes who can stand their ground better
Pezhetairoi Phalangites = regular phalanxes, who are simply better Katoikiai Phalangites, their skins are cooler too...

Argyraspidai = frickin elite phalanxes, why? because everyone need expensive toys for playing in mid-late game when they become empire proper.

**naq** · December 22, 2011, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by Manuel I Komnenos

It could be the same if the phalanx was divided in taxeis. The taxeis were usually recruited in regional level and carried shields of different color.

Really? Then I really really hope the modders will make those taxeis in upcoming patches.

Originally Posted by Strategos Lykos

in game terms (n RSII stats not IRL)

Levy Phalangites = low level frickin militia phalanxes who can hold other troops at bay, but will be massacred against another phalangites
Katoikiai Phalangites = medium level militia phalanxes who can stand their ground better
Pezhetairoi Phalangites = regular phalanxes, who are simply better Katoikiai Phalangites, their skins are cooler too...

Argyraspidai = frickin elite phalanxes, why? because everyone need expensive toys for playing in mid-late game when they become empire proper.

So I find it weird in my Ptolemaic campaign which Katoikoi was available after Pezhetairoi.

**Darth_Revan** · December 22, 2011, 02:13 PM

I kind of enjoy using different types of phalangites but I understand what the OP is saying.

**Storno The Wise** · December 24, 2011, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Lt.Speirs

You COULD say the same thing about the Romans in RS2.. why 28 different legions... well I quess that its just awesome. Cant make more out of it.

That is the best answer

If you don't like such large number of phalanxes or any other units you ought to play vanilla, that should help a bit.
Pupils from primary school will find it as best resolve

**Ferdiad** · December 24, 2011, 10:45 AM

Well no, 28 legons is the Number of Legions Augustus reduced Romes Legions down to its a good number too for gameplay enough for each front and for people to get attached to their favourite legion.