Bithynian Infantry

Recruitment Cost 340
Upkeep Cost 70
Melee Attack 24
Weapon Damage 26
Bonus vs Infantry 2
Charge Bonus 14
Melee Defence 58
Armour 15
Health 50
Base Morale 35
Strengths & Weaknesses
  • Average attack
  • Weak defence
  • Average damage but low armour penetration
  • Poor morale
Description

These fierce warriors hailed from northwest Asia Minor and, as their lands changed hands between Greek and Persian rulers, they were subject to many influences. In battle they used the crescent-shaped 'pelte' shields of the Thracians, but eastern axes instead of forward-curving swords or 'rhomphaia'. This made them deadly against heavily-armoured foes as their axes could crush organs and break bones without necessarily penetrating armour. The Bithynians wore light armour for the most part, and also carried javelins, much like peltasts. Their style of fighting probably owed much to the mountainous and difficult terrain of Bithynia, as they were, in part, skirmishers and also similar to the thorakitai, or heavier warriors.

Faction Availability