The Greek traditions cover the tactics of the peoples of the hellenistic empires and the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Availability and focus
- Availability
The Greek traditions are available for countries with the following culture groups:
- Focuses
The traditions focus on strengthening the below unit types and possibly unlock some new abilities:
Phalanx- Unit focus:
- Strong
Heavy infantry - Good
Cavalry
- Strong
- Possible ability unlocks:
Cavalry Skirmish
Military Colonies
Slave Raid
- Possible unit unlocks:
Octere
Mega-Polyreme
Paths
- Starting bonus
Modernized Phalanx
Whilst partially responsible for the success of Alexander against the hosts of Darius the Third, the phalanx originally evolved out of the need for a highly defensive, armored formation, used by Greek city-states making war upon one another.
- Allows Phalanx
| Seleucid path |
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| The Guard Cavalry formed a cadre of mounted warriors, who held the utmost respect and admiration for their King. It is said they are glad to lay down their lives in service of their overlord. |
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| The Diadochi, despite, or perhaps due to their fractious bickering, were possessed of wealth beyond the dreams of most nascent monarchs. As such, mercenary cohorts were often available in the regions around these Greek despots. |
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| The phoenicians forged an empire on the waves many centuries before Alexander's conquests. Encouraging their sailors to work for us is sure to give us an edge in naval warfare. |
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| The Hetairoi were originally a Macedonian noble force, who pioneered the use of brute, shock charges. The Hetairoi were transplanted into various states, but retained their prestige as feared shock troops. |
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| Astride monstrous warhorses, and clad in near-impenetrable armor, the Cataphracts were an expensive form of cavalry, which excelled at punching through similarly heavy armor with their strong lances. |
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| These lightly armored infantry were recognizable by the Thureos, a distinctive manner of shield, and were amongst the most mobile of the Greek troops. |
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| Often a charismatic and skilled general, a Hipparchos commanded a large unit of varying types of cavalry, often proscribing formational details down to a very fine degree. |
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| Efficient and swift payment will always attract mercenaries, perhaps even willing to work for less than their neighbors. |
| Greek states path |
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| Phalangites, armed with a buckler, and a spear known as a sarissa, made of the core of the late Greek phalanx. The superior range of the sarissa made getting close to this formation a particularly deadly task. |
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| The proud military history of the Greeks reached a climax with Alexander's conquest of the Hellenistic world. What could not be learned from his life, is surely learned from the aftermath of his death. |
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| The Tarentine cavalry, an elite group of mercenaries originating from Tarentum, utilized very unorthodox skirmishing tactics, which were adopted throughout the Hellenistic world. |
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| A time honored way of ensuring that loyal troops were available, and justly rewarded, plots of land were granted to native greek soldiers known as cleruchs, in return for their service in the military. |
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| Those of wealthy, fortunate, or noble birth learn their skills in horsemanship at a young age, often riding as a sport, as well as during warfare. |
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| Centuries of infighting between Greek cities naturally resulted in the erection of numerous walls, towers and fortifications, designed to keep marauding armies at bay. The stonework required to develop such comprehensive structures is a testament to the master masons. |
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| Constant feuds and battles between Greek kingdoms and states have taught our sons to be always ready and willing to give their lives in defense of their home. |
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| A unit descended from veterans of Alexander's campaigns, the Argyraspides continue in their tradition of being a dangerous, elite cadre of well-armed warriors. |
| Antigonid path |
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| Control of the Aegean and nearby seas, demands a great focus on military and civilian shipbuilding. The availability of experienced shipwrights drives down prices considerably. |
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| For hundreds of years, the Hellenistic kingdoms attempted to outdo one another with larger and larger ships. From the huge Quadrireme, a staple warship of Monopthalmos' navies; to the gargantuan Tesserakonteres, a dual-hulled monstrosity rumored to require a crew of at least 4000, the skills of the Greek shipwrights is unmatched throughout the Hellenistic world. |
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| Ostensibly used as skirmishing troops, the Thracian peltast was equipped with a small shield, and a series of javelins. Later, peltasts were sought after as mercenaries, by many warring states. |
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| Cities during the early Hellenistic era would often spar over the slightest of insults. Due to such frequent battles, wars between states resulted in a style of warfare which yielded the lowest number of casualties, but highest number of prisoners. The victor would then keep them as slaves, or ransom them back to their opponents for a hefty fee. |
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| Nobody can claim to be masters of siegecraft as much as the Greeks. During the siege of Rhodes, and many years later in Thebes, vast siege towers known as Helepoli were deployed to attempt to bypass the formidable walls of these cities entirely. It is said that the Colossus of Rhodes itself was built using material from the abandoned siege engines of Demetrios. |
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| Archery and the use of the sling was minor in the Hellenistic period, although the bespoke lead pellets employed by slingers acted as a formidable deterrent to enemy troops. Cretan archers were widely regarded as the best in their field. |
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| The soaring mountain ranges of central Greece have taught our people the fickle ways of doing battle in adverse terrain. |
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| The glorious union of so many diverse styles of combat, is what makes the Hellenistic armies so unique. When each soldier knows their place, rigorous discipline will win the day. |
