EBII Qarthadastim
I just did this for fun, I hope that the EB team is okay with this...
First, EB did a magnificent job on Carthage. They have far exceeded any expectations and hopes that people had on this mod. They also have done so much for the modding community from original ideas to building onto existing ones, and even doing complete breakthroughs.
Before I start, remember that these are all works in progress, and so is this thread. Also, that I am no part of this mod. I just would like to do this for the Carthage fans out there that respect this mod's respect and great effort for the sake of history. These are EB's descriptions and pictures.
I'm just going to cover the units for now, but when the game does come out expect a gameplay guide, army list, time line, and proper historical house rules. Last, all is credited to EB, this is none of my work. And like I said earlier, this is just for fans that can look this up very quickly. Maybe a bit preemptive, but I love this faction and this Mod.
Regional Units
Libyan Skirmishers - Mitnag'him Lybim
From Egypt to Mauretania live the tribes of coastal North Africa known as a whole to the Greeks as Lybians, after their word for Africa, Lybia. Their brave warriors fight with throwing darts, javelins and spears, and while poorly equipped for heavy combat they carry swords, a common weapon among Libyans. Their variety is represented by their shields, coming in different shapes and sizes and made from the skins of cows, goats, elephants and ostriches, as well as their appearance. Some examples include the Maceans who wear their hair as a crest and the Maxyans who shave the left side of their head. These men are swift and sure, but cannot stand in the face of heavily armed opponents, or the weight of cavalry. Lead them well general and they will win you battles!
Historically these men come from a vast variety of tribes; Adyrmachidae, Gilligammae, Asbystae, Cabalians, Aushisae, Ammonions, Nasamonions, Psylli, Garamantines, Lotophagi, Maceans, Machlyans, Atlantes, Atarantians, Auseans, Gyzantians, Maxyans, Zavecians and Masylies, to name but a few. Most Libyan tribes were remarked by ancient authors as sporting light skirmishers of some form. According to Herodotus Ammonion skirmishers were called darters. Libyan skirmishers were present in the war between Carthage and Agathocles in 310 BC as well as throughout the Punic wars, noted in Hannibal’s army as skirmishing in front of the army in the initial engagement alongside Balearic skirmishers and slingers.
Libyan Infantry - Lo'hamim Lybim
Trained in the tactics of our ancestors and the Greeks these Libyan subjects are levied from the holdings of Qart-Hadast and the other colonies to defend their interests. Although as the fourth century came to its close and the third began the Libyans were still armed and trained in the traditional manner of Levant hoplites, more effort was put into their training and equipment, forming them into a Hellenistic style thureophoroi unit with thyreos shields, spears and the traditional javelins of the Libyan tribes. Later, following increasing influences from Celtic, Roman and Iberian contact, the Carthaginians would equip their Libyan levies with chain mail, improving their holding power. While these men are decent line infantry, and certainly cheaper and safer than placing important Canaanite citizens on the field, they will not hold up against the heavier infantry of other nations or their heavier cavalry.
Historically the Carthaginian citizenry realized early on that it was far more cost effective to employ large numbers of Libyan levies, and even to train those levies, than to utilize their own citizenry, or even that of the other Phoenician colonies. This lesson was driven home at the battle of the Krimissus in Sicily, against Timoleon, when approximately ten thousand citizen soldiers were destroyed and routed, including the 2,500 strong Sacred Band. Following this Libyan infantry forces remained the core of the Punic army in the wars with Syracuse and then Rome. They served as Hannibal best troops as well as the reliable centre of Hasdrubal’s line in Iberia. The policy of using Libyan soldiers only backfired once, when they rebelled in large numbers in the eponymous Libyan, or Mercenary, war after the First Punic War. In this instance they initially pushed back all Punic resistance until Carthage recalled Hamilcar and Hanno, the generals who had trained the best of them, allowing Carthage’s armies to finally emerge victorious.
Liby-Phoenician Hoplites - Dorkim Kan'anim
These are the men of average wealth, merchants, craftsmen, artisans, masons and the like who can afford a full panoply of linothorax armour, a hoplon shield, a spear and a sword. They are not state formed or equipped and are merely those citizens of Canaanite colonies who, in times of crisis, have the equipment ready to engage in battle in defence of their home and livelihood. This is the old style and over time, as more subjects are equipped to fight by the Qarthadastim state, fewer colonials are prepared to do battle.
Historically, the Phoenicians did not refer to themselves as such. Though the Greeks called them Phoenicians and the Latins Punics, the Phoenicians referred to themselves by their city of origin, Tyre, Sidon, Byblos, and so on. Even citizens of colonies referred to themselves by either their colony home, or the name of the city that founded the colony. The only identifier Phoenicians might have used to refer to themselves as an overarching ethnicity would have been Canaanite, the name of the large ethnic group in Israel and Lebanon from which the Phoenicians emerged. This is ironic as Canaanite was originally a made up name, to describe the people that became known as the Canaanites, meaning merchants. Later Greek and Roman authors often discounted the colonies outside of Africa that Carthage controlled and referred to the colonies in Africa as Liby-Phoenician, even implying that they were inferior to Carthage because they had bred with native Libyans. Whether or not they did mix with Libyans, the Carthaginians viewed them as inferior because they were not Carthaginians, a simple, and very Phoenician, mentality. There is no evidence to suggest Carthage treated the Phoenician colonies in Africa any different from those elsewhere in Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Baleares and Spain, except perhaps for the city of Utica, but it was a special case.
If any of these colonists were to organize as an infantry force they would have done so in the same manner, as a hoplite phalanx. Even the citizens of Carthage fought in the same way, in this militia force, when necessary. This happened in the late fourth century BC with the invasion of Agathocles, in the First Punic War with the invasion of Regulus, during the Mercenary War and in the Second Punic War with the invasion of Scipio Africanus. This only changed by the time of the Third Punic War when Carthage had surrendered most of its arms and armour to Rome before the war began and was forced to reequip quickly with mass produced swords, thureos shields and javelins. Phoenician hoplites supposedly accompanied Hannibal’s forces in Italy and may have been reequipped with chain mail, attributed by the Romans as an adaptation to their tactics and technology.
Liby-Phoenician Cavalry - Parasim Kan'anim
These are men of somewhat more than average wealth who can afford a horse in addition to a panoply of sword, armour, spear and shield. These men may be politicians, wealthy land owners or extremely well off merchants as well as possibly belonging to an equestrian tradition in their home city. They are not state formed or equipped and are merely those citizens of Canaanite colonies who, in times of crisis, have the equipment ready to engage in battle in defence of their home and livelihood. This is the old style and over time, as more subjects are equipped to fight by the Qarthadastim state, fewer colonials are prepared to do battle.
Historically, the Phoenicians did not refer to themselves as such. Though the Greeks called them Phoenicians and the Latins Punics, the Phoenicians referred to themselves by their city of origin, Tyre, Sidon, Byblos, and so on. Even citizens of colonies referred to themselves by either their colony home, or the name of the city that founded the colony. The only identifier Phoenicians might have used to refer to themselves as an overarching ethnicity would have been Canaanite, the name of the large ethnic group in Israel and Lebanon from which the Phoenicians emerged. This is ironic as Canaanite was originally a made up name, to describe the people that became known as the Canaanites, meaning merchants. Later Greek and Roman authors often discounted the colonies outside of Africa that Carthage controlled and referred to the colonies in Africa as Liby-Phoenician, even implying that they were inferior to Carthage because they had bred with native Libyans. Whether or not they did mix with Libyans, the Carthaginians viewed them as inferior because they were not Carthaginians, a simple, and very Phoenician, mentality. There is no evidence to suggest Carthage treated the Phoenician colonies in Africa any different from those elsewhere in Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Baleares and Spain, except perhaps for the city of Utica, but it was a special case.
If any of these colonists were to organize as a cavalry force they would have done so in the same manner, as a medium combat cavalry. Even the citizens of Carthage fought in the same way when necessary. Citizen cavalry performed admirably during the invasion of Africa by Regulus in the First Punic War as well as during the Mercenary War afterwards. Citizen cavalry from other colonies, noted as Liby-Phoenicians by later authors, joined Hasdrubal in Spain during the Second Punic under orders from Hannibal. It is most likely they were from African colonies as Hannibal notes they were brought to Spain to ensure tight bonds between African cities and Spanish cities. Cavalry deployed by the Sardinian rebel Hampsicora in the Second Punic War against the Romans to try and bring the Carthaginians back to Sardinia may have been Phoenician cavalry either formed from Puno-Nuraghic nobles on the island or sent by Carthage itself to help Hampsicora’s efforts.
Carthaginian Noble Cavalry - HaParasim HaB'hurim
Members of the oldest and most prestigious families in Carthage, these men are better equipped, and better trained, than almost any other citizen soldiers among the colonies. These cavalry, armed with long lances and fine swords can ride down all but the toughest opponents. Their finely crafted armour from Italy, Iberia and Africa in bronze and iron make them all but invincible and their sturdy Iberian mounts, protected themselves with peytrals and chamfrons, will carry them unto their enemies doom!
Historically the number of Carthaginian citizenry who were regularly trained and prepared for war were few, though they did exist. Those of this group from the wealthier families, or who became independently wealthy, would have the means to equip themselves as cavalry above and beyond the regular citizen cavalry called together in times of need. These cavalry would typically be deployed where they could do the most good, such as on the right flank of the army, where the infantry division of the phalanx known as the Sacred Band was deployed. These elite cavalry were at some point incorrectly labelled as a mounted version of those picked phalanx troops and the misnomer stuck through the ages, building a legend upon itself including being the temple warriors of Astarte. There is another famous legend about the supposed mounted Sacred Band from later history wherein they are denied to Hannibal at Zama. This story is extremely circumspect, especially considering the illusion that is the mounted Sacred Band. Regardless, the story is intended to prove a point about the attitude of the anti-Barcid party in the Carthaginian council. That is to say that they did not support Hannibal, even at the threat of their own lives and would not support him in the least.
Sacred Band - Dorkim B'hurim
Members of the oldest and most prestigious families in Carthage, these men are better equipped, and better trained, than almost any other citizen soldiers among the colonies. Fighting in the manner of our ancestors as a traditional Phalanx, these men, wealthy aristocrats all, are equipped with the most expensive and showy accoutrements available. These men have always formed the right flank of our citizen armies in times of need, but the wars of the last hundred years have demonstrated how precious Carthaginian citizens are. Should you choose, however, these men can be risked in battle for the betterment of Carthage.
Historically the Carthaginians were cautious of committing citizens troops to battle after the losses suffered against Timoleon and Agathocles. When they did commit citizen soldiers, the right flank of the phalanx was formed by the wealthy aristocrats and was referred to by the Greeks as a 'Sacred Band'. Later, this was attributed to a dedication to Baal, the great father god of the Phoenician/Canaanite pantheon. The early third century BC was the end of an era for these noble citizen soldiers. Though the citizens of Carthage were once encouraged to be soldiers, according to Aristotle, by wearing decorative armbands to signify the number of campaigns they had fought in, the losses in Sicily in 396 and 341, and the losses to Agathocles and the coup of Bomilkar from 311-307, led to the growing reluctance of Carthage to risk its citizens in war. Yet, with the Sacred Band still operating in 307 BC, it would not have been too late to revive the military traditions of Carthage.
Mercenaries and Subjugated states
Balearic Slingers - Qala'im Balearim
Trained from a verly early age in the use of their various types of slings and projectiles, they have reached an extremelly rare proeficiency in long range skirmishing. Fast, due to their light equipment, and with much more precision and power than other slingers, they are ideal mercenaries to have in any army that can afford their services. Contrary to most light skirmishers, their experience can be used effectivelly to strike down any unorganized foes in hand-to-hand combat. As any light infantry, they are vulnerable to cavalry.
Historically, the Balearic Slingers became famous throughout the mediterranean world due to their increadible skill in battle. These skills prompted the Carthaginians and Romans to use them whenever they were able to do so. A good example of the skill that won them renow is Diodorus Siculus' chronicle of the Battle of Eknomos in 311BC: "But when Hamilcar saw that his men were being overpowered and that the Greeks in constantly increasing number were making their way into the camp, he brought up his slingers, who came from the Balearic Islands and numbered at least a thousand. By hurling a shower of great stones, they wounded many and even killed not a few of those who were attacking, and they shattered the defensive armour of most of them. For these men, who are accustomed to sling stones weighing a mina, contributed a great deal toward victory in battle, as they practised constantly with the sling since childhood. In this way they drove the Greeks from the camp and defeated them. Their equipment for fighting consists of three slings, and of these they keep one around the head, another around the belly, and the third in the hands. In the business of war they hurl much larger stones than do any other slingers, and with such force that the missile seems to have been shot, as it were, from a catapult; consequently, in their assaults upon walled cities, they strike the defenders on the battlements and disable them, and in pitched battles they crush both shields and helmets and every kind of protective armour. And they are so accurate in their aim that in the majority of cases they never miss the target before them. The reason for this is the continual practice which they get from childhood, in that their mothers compel them, while still young boys, to use the sling continually; for there is set up before them as a target a piece of bread fastened to a stake, and the novice is not permitted to eat until he has hit the bread, whereupon he takes it from his mother with her permission and devours it!!"
Numidian Cavalry - Parasim Numidim
Numidia produces some of the finest cavalry in all Africa, if not the Western Mediterranean world. Armed with javelins, these mounted skirmishers can be a nightmare for an opponent as it can prove practically impossible to pin them down in combat. Their tactics are to pelt the enemy with deadly volleys of javelins, and then swiftly retreat when charged. If the enemy stand, they are slaughtered with volleys of javelins, and if they run the Numidian cavalry can ride them down!
Instinctive riders, the Numidians are famed for not using a saddle or reins, using only a stick to direct their horses. Nevertheless, they maneuver with the "grace of a flock of birds". Having adapted to the broken expanses of their homelands, Numidian cavalry have great stamina, and they are also experts in their form of the Cantabrian circle attack.
The Numidian cavalry carries large leather and wicker shields which cover their bodies. Should their supply of javelins run low they will retain one for use in close quarters. Such a light weapon is not intended for close quarters, however, and such should be avoided except in the most dire of circumstances. For clothing they wear simple loose tunics which are common across North West Africa at this time.
History: Like their foot brethren the Numidian cavalry were not composed of trained soldiers like the Roman and Hellenic armies but more so shepherds, husbandmen, farmers and the like. As a result these men were easily routed and fared poorly whenever engaged in close quarters. However, they were extremely proficient skirmishers and their continued hit and run tactics and skill as riders resulted in overcoming much better armed, armored, and trained soldiers.
While the fleetness of the Numidians was primarily a trait designed to aid them in retreating when necessary from combat, it also made them excellent cavalry for chasing down fleeing opponents and capable of quickly crossing the battlefield to render aid where necessary. The generals who recognized and properly utilized these skills became famous and in turn made the Numidian cavalry famous. Numidian cavalry were present in almost every engagement of the Second Punic War and many of the First as well as ensuring Roman dominance in the Third. Numidian cavalry continued to serve as reliable Roman auxiliaries well into the Roman Empire serving as far away as Dacia under the Emperor Trajan, appearing on his renowned column.
Numidian Skirmishers - Mitnagsim Numidim
Numidian javelinmen are fast moving skirmishers trained from infancy in the use of the javelin for hunting. They are recruited from amongst nomadic peoples who need their weapon skills to survive in harsh conditions.
They are best employed to harry enemies and thin their ranks with volleys of missiles. They should avoid being sucked into hand-to-hand combat, as their knives are more useful in skinning animals than killing men; also, other than a small leather shield they have no armour. They wear simple loose tunics which are common across North West Africa at this time. Should they be caught in close combat or suffer heavy casualties they should not be expected to stand their ground and will likely attempt to disperse back into the countryside.
History: When it came to defending their country the Numidian kings relied on the terrain, overwhelming numbers, and the fleetness of their troops in withdrawing rather than any martial discipline such as the Romans pursued. As a result the majority of any Numidian army was composed of men more skilled as shepherds and husbandmen than in the art of war.
These men were easily routed and fared poorly whenever engaged in close quarters. However, they were extremely proficient skirmishers and their continued hit and run tactics, despite being infantry, were a nuisance only barely overcome by Metellus, Marius, Julius Caesar and many other respected commanders. While the Numidians showed their prowess on occasions such as these, their low morale was a severe weak point that turned the tide against them in many conflicts, especially under Syphax, king of Massaesylia, in the Second Punic War.
In describing the Numidian skirmishers Gaius Crispus Sallust, in his work ‘The Jugurthine War,’ says, “with the exception of the royal cavalry, no Numidian attends the king after a route; they disperse to whatever quarter they severally feel inclined, and this is not esteemed a military offense, but is the custom of the country.”
Garamantine Infantry - Dorkim Garamantim
The Garamantine warriors are masters of hit and run tactics. Striking in raids from their oasis strongholds they attack towns, outposts, watchtowers, and nomadic tribes. They fight first with throwing spears and javelins but can close or hold when necessary with their spears and leather shields. They wear ostrich feathers tied to their heads and paint their bodies to make them appear more fearsome and impressive and wear a cow skin cloak for protection both on the battlefield and against the natural environment.
History: The Garamantines were a group of Berber tribes living in North central Africa on the fringe of the Sahara desert that herded cattle and irrigated farmland. They conducted raids against towns to the North and against the nomadic Saharan people known to the Greeks as the Troglodytai. The Garamantines reached dominance in the second and third century AD and are often referred to as one of the first great Berber nations. They fought on foot, from horseback and from chariots. Much of the evidence for their equipment comes from their own rock art and Egyptian paintings of Libyan soldiers. According to their own later rock art, the Garamantes changed little in appearance from those Libyan tribes which raided dynastic Egypt long before the Greeks and Romans were major world powers.
Herodotos refers to the Garamantes as a fierce and aggressive tribe that would hunt down the Troglodytai but also says that they are a people who know little of war. Herodotos made the Garamantines famous for his fanciful tale of the cattle they raised which supposedly had horns so long they had to graze backwards. The last Roman triumph celebrated by a general not related to the Imperator, or the Imperator himself, was against the Garamantes in the first century BC by Lucius Cornelius Balbus.
Garamantine Cavalry - Parasim Garamantim
The Garamantine warriors are masters of hit and run tactics. Striking in raids from their oasis strongholds they attack towns, outposts, watchtowers, and nomadic tribes. Their cavalry fight first with throwing spears and javelins but can close or chase when necessary with their spears and leather shields. They wear ostrich feathers tied to their heads and paint their bodies to make them appear more fearsome and impressive and wear a cow skin cloak for protection both on the battlefield and against the natural environment.
These men, despite their daring disposition, are light cavalry and should not be expected to break the enemy in a frontal charge. Rather, these men are best used to encircle the enemy and to chase down those who attempt to flee the battlefield.
History: The Garamantines were a group of Berber tribes living in North central Africa on the fringe of the Sahara desert that herded cattle and irrigated farmland. They conducted raids against towns to the North and against the nomadic Saharan people known to the Greeks as the Troglodytai. The Garamantines reached dominance in the second and third century AD and are often referred to as one of the first great Berber nations. They fought on foot, from horseback and from chariots. Much of the evidence for their equipment comes from their own rock art and Egyptian paintings of Libyan soldiers. According to their own later rock art, the Garamantes changed little in appearance from those Libyan tribes which raided dynastic Egypt long before the Greeks and Romans were major world powers.
Herodotos refers to the Garamantes as a fierce and aggressive tribe that would hunt down the Troglodytai but also says that they are a people who know little of war. Herodotos made the Garamantines famous for his fanciful tale of the cattle they raised which supposedly had horns so long they had to graze backwards. The last Roman triumph celebrated by a general not related to the Imperator, or the Imperator himself, was against the Garamantes in the first century BC by Lucius Cornelius Balbus.
Maure Infantry - Dorkim Maurim
Maure infantry are fast moving skirmishing troops typically used by the Carthaginians and Berber chieftains. They are recruited from the most Western provinces of North Africa. A land known by their warriors and their unique fighting style. They are armed with javelins and a sword of North African origin, similar to the Tabouka used these days by the Tuareg people. The Maures are protected by a shield made of elephant hide and by a cloak made of animal fur that they use like it was a breastplate. Under this they wear a simple loose tunic with broad borders.
They should avoid being sucked into hand-to-hand combat, as they do better in the job of harassing the enemy with their javelins. Their tactics are to pelt the enemy with deadly volleys of javelins, and then swiftly retreat when charged.
History: Historically, Maures were very similar to their Numidian neighbors. Greek and Roman historians say they were darker than other North African tribes, to the point to be called 'Western Ethiopians'. They were also great warriors and were one of the troops mentioned by Hannibal in his inscription left in Italy.
The Mauretanians had a unique west African kingdom that existed as early as the fourth century BC. They are first mentioned as a unique nation and people when they render assistance to the Numidian Prince Massinissa to help him reach his country in order to quell a civil war. The Mauretanians may have participated in the Third Punic War, but this seems to be an error of sorts based on later writings denying any real contact with Rome prior to the Jugurthine War.
During the Jugurthine war the Mauretanians sided with Jugurtha against Rome at a critical juncture, prolonging the war. Ironically it would be the actions of their king, Bocchus I, that would end the war when he betrayed Jugurtha over to Sulla and Marius. The Mauretanian kingdom came to an end when its last king, Bogud, willed his Kingdom to Rome upon his death. The Maures as a people were to continue until the Muslim conquest of North Africa, wherein they were noted for their courage and their resilience as one of the last native populations to be conquered.
Maure Cavalry - Parasim Maurim
Maure Cavalry are fast moving skirmishing troops typically used by the Carthaginians and Berber chieftains. They are recruited from the most Western provinces of North Africa. A land known by their warriors and their unique fighting style. They are armed with javelins and a sword of North African origin, similar to the Tabouka used these days by the Tuareg people. The Maures are protected by a small leather shield and by a cloak made of animal fur that they use like it was a breastplate. Under this they wear a simple loose tunic with broad borders. As these men are of a higher status than their infantry counterparts they wear jewelry and their cloaks are made from the skins of more exotic and dangerous animals.
They should avoid being sucked into hand-to-hand combat, as they do better in the job of harassing the enemy with their javelins. Their tactics are to pelt the enemy with deadly volleys of javelins, and then swiftly retreat when charged. Should the opportunity arise they are swift and will easily run down any fleeing enemies.
History: Historically, Maures were very similar to their Numidian neighbors. Greek and Roman historians say they were darker than other North African tribes, to the point to be called 'Western Ethiopians'. They were also great warriors and were one of the troops mentioned by Hannibal in his inscription left in Italy. Maure cavalry participated in the Jugurthine War in vast numbers, outnumbering the legions which engaged them at one point.
The Mauretanians had a unique west African kingdom that existed as early as the fourth century BC. They are first mentioned as a unique nation and people when they render assistance to the Numidian Prince Massinissa to help him reach his country in order to quell a civil war. The Mauretanians may have participated in the Third Punic War, but this seems to be an error of sorts based on later writings denying any real contact with Rome prior to the Jugurthine War.
During the Jugurthine war the Mauretanians sided with Jugurtha against Rome at a critical juncture, prolonging the war. Ironically it would be the actions of their king, Bocchus I, that would end the war when he betrayed Jugurtha over to Sulla and Marius. The Mauretanian kingdom came to an end when its last king, Bogud, willed his Kingdom to Rome upon his death. The Maures as a people were to continue until the Muslim conquest of North Africa, wherein they were noted for their courage and their resilience as one of the last native populations to be conquered.
Forest Elephants - Elephantes Hulaioi Liboukoi
Imported from the regions far south of Aigyptos or from the mountain forests of northwestern Africa, forest elephants are an exceptionally valuable resource in combat, used mainly by the Ptolemaioi and Qarthadastim. Towering over most other creatures, they can easily scare men and horses alike, with both their size and smell, though elaborate bells and trappings often add to their intimidation. Such corps are directed by their own mahouts riding behind their heads, often a native of their own country who has spent at least two years training his beast from capture. The mahout is armored to better protect against the obvious assault that generally comes against him, launched to bypass the thick natural armor of his mount.
Elephants are best used as cavalry screens for your army, where their presence can scare away enemy cavalry. They can also be used to ram through an enemy battle line, though they are less useful when faced with loose order or phalanx infantry. Pyrrhos of Epeiros even innovated a tactic of flank screens when he fought the Romans at Heraklea. Beyond their obvious use against enemy infantry or cavalry, they can also be used in siege combat; battering down gates, though they're highly vulnerable to better prepared installations. Their greatest vulnerability is against skirmishers, slingers and archers, who can pepper them with missiles - eventually toppling them by virtue of their cumulative impact. To counter the effect of enemy skirmishers, it is often wise to array your own in opposition, or to maintain constant attacks upon each individual group.
Historically, the use of elephants in war was largely contained to India, but after the battle of Hydaspes that changed. Though Alexandros never cared over much for the animals, his successors were very much in favor of their use, organizing their own elephants into a distinct corps under their own "elephantarchos". The forest elephant was used in battle after the Ptolemaioi dynasty established itself in Egypt. Being cut off from India by their Seleukid rivals, the Ptolemaioi needed another source of elephants and sent expeditions to the Horn of Africa to gather Forest Elephants and later they established 'elephant stations' to make sure the Ptolemaic armies were well supplied.
Qarthadastim also used forest elephants in war and they seem to have begun using them around 300 BC. The forest elephants were captured in the Tunisian mountain forests, but the Carthaginians also imported elephants from the Seleukides and Ptolemaioi, which might indicate the native herds were not enough to supply the Carthaginian elephant corps.
The Forest Elephant was smaller in size and strength compared to the Indian elephant. The battle of Raphia is often used as an example of the Indian elephant's superiority, as Antiochos III elephants routed Ptolemaios IV elephants, yet it's important to remember that Ptolemaios IV elephants were outnumbered at that battle.
A side effect of the Ptolemaic use of elephants caused the kingdom of Meroe to also start to tame and use elephants during the Hellenistic period, a practice they eventually taught to the Ethiopians as well. The forest elephants could be found in north-western and eastern Africa, but after the Romans conquered north-western Africa they hunted the forest elephant there to extinction due to their love for using them in circus and the arenas.
Despite their great usefulness when properly employed, it was not unusual for elephants to cause defeat for those who employed them. If an enemy was clever enough to devise their own means to combat elephants, as was the case at the battle of Gaza when Ptolemaios planted an 'iron spiked minefield' to ward off elephants, or when Caesar properly utilized slingers and Scipio gaps between his infantry cohorts to channel the elephants, they could be defeated and even turned against their masters. Even pigs were used on occasion, released among elephants who were often scared of their comparatively small, darting forms. However, despite the many different weapons and stratagems being devised to fight them and the huge expenses required to maintain them, the elephant was still considered a valuable asset, maintained widely. The Arche Seleukeia even developed a corps of "elephant guards", whose task was simply to defend the beasts in combat.
Uisusparos Kingetoi
These soldiers come from the middle of the freemen class and can afford to commit themselves fully to the warrior life. Comprising mostly of young to middle aged men, they can be found serving as mercenaries in many armies all across Europe and even Anatolia.
Being moderately well off, they can afford some basic protection in the form of a large shield and maybe a simple helmet. They commonly fight bare chested, armed with the Gaesum, the famed Celtic war spear, and a clutch of javelins. When in battle, they prefer to fight in a dense shieldwall formation, maximizing the protection afforded by their shields, and using their spears to fight off infantry and especially cavalry, who may suffer greatly should they try to attack the formation head on. Given that their shield is their only form of protection, they are vulnerable to missile fire from the flanks or rear and thus need to take care when unsupported by their own missile troops. When on the offensive, the Uisusparos Kingetoi will hurl their javelins to weaken and disrupt the enemy's formation, before attempting to break them in a single terrifying charge. They can also act as impromptu skirmishers if the situation calls for it.
Historically, the Celtic world of antiquity was a semi-feudal society, comprising of a warrior aristocracy ruling over vassals and freemen. These soldiers are those of the freemen class, who have chosen to follow the way of the warrior and fight for their tribe, freedom, glory or loot.
They fought with a wide variety of weapons, which they had to provide and maintain themselves, so only the wealthier could afford to fight as a full time warrior. Most of these men, despite their lowly position, were no weaklings, having excellent morale, combined with a tenacious battle spirit. They made up the majority of soldiers in the early Celtic armies that struck terror into the inhabitants of Italy and Greece in the IV-III centuries BC. Due mainly to the expansion of vassalage among the Celts in later times, the number of these free men in armies decreased, with lords preferring to pay for and equip vassals or bondsmen to fight for them, although many warriors of the free class would still choose to show up in force on the battlefield.
Londo Epatoi
The Celts of Eastern Europe are known for their savage nature in war and this, combined with their long standing and famous cavalry tradition, produces great cavalry of like minded temperament. Renowned for their large numbers and daring ambushes, the Londo Epatoi are quick, agile horsemen that spearhead any campaign or raid, no matter how great or small. Seated in the Gallic saddle, they can deliver a greater charge than most other horsemen of similar armament and can melee like cavalry of greater rank. These riders fulfill the need of bridging cavalry that excels in fast hit-and-run strikes with that of notable staying power during melee.
Historically, these riders spread far and wide. Images come to us from modern day southern Germany and Turkey showing bare-chested, spiky haired, and sword bearing cavalry that appear nearly identical to each other despite their discoveries being thousands of miles apart. While the Gauls in the West perfected their own style of horsemanship, parallel developments occurred in the East as well with cavalry becoming a symbol of the prestigious and successful warrior.
Acus Eporedoi
Acus Eporedoi (Ak-us E-po-red-oy 'Swift Horsemen') are fast and well armed cavalrymen: a staple force in Iron Age warfare. In Celtic Europe, the emphasis on cavalry is well known and rightly feared. The Acus Eporedoi are among the great horsemen of tribe and state. Their weapons of choice are charging spears and javelins, and their constant training as well as good/excellent horsemanship allow them to perform well in battle with admirable staying power. Similar to other wealthier or noble units, their skill and access to superior equipment improves through various reforms as time progresses, which enables them to remain the medium cavalry of choice among Celts.
Historically, Celtic middle class consisted mostly of the freemen within the tribe or state. These men were free to choose their own way of life within local law or constitution. This included devoting their lives to farming, trading or other occupations. Warfare was just one such occupation, especially as it was never far away. Wealthier members among this middle class often afforded the ownership of Gallic ponies for use in fighting as semi-professional cavalrymen during the campaigning season. Those who did are represented by the Acus Eproedoi.
Although larger breeds of horses were known among the Western Gauls and Eastern Celts, doubtless bred from larger Scythian breeds from the east and the exclusive property of nobles, the overwhelming number of Gallic mounts were small by modern standards, similar in size to ponies. However, they are incredibly hardy, agile, resistant to disease and very strong relative to their size. These wonderful characteristics in their mounts, augmented with a four-pronged Gallic saddle allow the Celts a perfect combination for battle in hills, dense forests and the varied features of the terrain of their homeland.
Hoplitai
These troops were the symbol of Hellenic liberty and devotion to the polis. These highly motivated citizen soldiers were once the dominant form of fighting in the Hellenic world. During the later Hellenistic period, these troops, while still present on the battlefield, lost the protagonism they had enjoyed during older times. After the introduction of new ways to do war on the Hellenic mainland, these troops underwent a continuous modification of their equipment, in an effort to adapt to these emerging conditions. Consequently, they were outfitted with good quality linen armour, helmets of various designs, doruxyphos shortswords and their ever-present aspis shields. They underwent a progressive lightening of their equipment, in line with the Hellenic tendency of producing more mobile troops, whilst still maintaining a degree of protection enough to enable them to be troops of the line.
They still fought as their fathers' fathers had done, in a tightly welded shield wall that traded mobility for mutual protection. This formation was the epitome of Hellenic selflessness, esprit de corps and sacrifice, for each hoplite entrusted his protection to the soldier on his right, while covering his brother on his left. However, this formation was being rendered progressively obsolete by the third century BC, by the prevalence of more mobile troops like the Peltastai and the Thureophoroi.
Despite of the fact that the Hoplitai represented an ageing fighting style, their motivation was second-to-none, and they still personified the Hellenic military ethos displayed by their ancestors.
In 3rd century Hellas, these troops still defended their motherland from both external and domestic threats with the same merit, virtue and patriotism as that which had been exhibited by their elder spears, s.
Equites sabelli
"Sabellian" is a term meant to encompass most of the Oscan-speaking tribes of Italy, and includes the groupings known as the Samnites, Lucani, Bruttii, Campani, and Apuli. The Sabellians are a notably warlike people who frequently served as mercenaries with Greek armies in Italy and Sicily, and who fought a series of wars against the Romans over a period fifty years as Rome expanded into southern Italy. Even after Rome had conquered them, some Sabellians were always willing rebel, joining the armies of Pyrrhus and of Hannibal, and finally launching the Social War almost 200 years after Rome had conquered the Italian penninsula. When not in revolt, the Sabellians supplied roughly half of the manpower of Rome's Italian allies.
The equites sabelli were the most common type of cavalry employed by the Sabellians and enjoyed a high reputation. They probably made up at least one third of the cavalry strength of a typical consular army. These cavalrymen are armed with a spear, sword, and two javelins. A number of south Italian tomb paintings show Sabellian horsemen carrying round or oblong spined shields and wearing crested (and sometimes winged) Attic helmets with paired feather holders. Other striking helmets are also portrayed. None wear heavy body armour; the triple-disk cuirass and large muscled pectoral can be identified, but most wear no chest protection. All are girt with a broad bronze belt, and greaves are sometimes worn, even by cavalrymen who are otherwise unarmoured. Almost all are barefoot, and on these we observe ankle bands which may mount spurs. Finally, all wear very short tunics which frequently fail to make the rider's hindquarters any less evident than those of his horse.
The equites sabelli are recruited from all of the sabellian tribes of the Italian penninsula, from Picenum north of Rome, to Bruttium at the toe of the Italian boot.
Hastati sabelli
"Sabellian" is a term meant to encompass most of the Oscan-speaking tribes of Italy, and includes the groupings known as the Samnites, Lucani, Bruttii, Campani, and Apuli. The Sabellians are a notably warlike people who frequently served as mercenaries with Greek armies in Italy and Sicily, and who fought a series of wars against the Romans over a period fifty years as Rome expanded into southern Italy. Even after Rome had conquered them, some Sabellians were always willing rebel, joining the armies of Pyrrhus and of Hannibal, and finally launching the Social War almost 200 years after Rome had conquered the Italian penninsula. When not in revolt, the Sabellians supplied roughly half of the manpower of Rome's Italian allies.
The Sabellian spearman represents the prototypical Sabellian warrior. He is armed with an oblong, spined shield, a pair of javelins, and a thrusting spear. He commonly wears an Attic helmet with a crest, plume, or several feather holders. Montefortino helmets are common too. Most have some form of chest protection: the triple disk cuirass, and both large and small pectorals, but some wear no armor at all. All wear a broad bronze belt, and most are equipped with a pair of greaves. Finally, they wear short tunics that drape apron-like in the front and back.
The Sabellian spearmen are recruited from all of the sabellian tribes of the Italian penninsula, from Picenum north of Rome, to Bruttium at the toe of the Italian boot.
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Love Kart-Hadast. Any chance we get to see some cool Iberian troops from their roster though?
Originally Posted by Dunadd
