Hoplite vs Legionary? · 6:45am May 29th, 2020
Which is the stronger unit? Not 1v1. As a group. Which of these two units do you like best in Rome Total War 1 and 2?
Hoplites were an ancient Greek form of heavy infantry. There were many forms of hoplites. There was the long pike infantry. Short medium spear infantry. And many others. A critical weakness of the phalanx formation was it had to stay in formation and was vulnerable to flanking. However, if the hoplites get support from heavy Thorax infantry and other flexible units such as cavalry the phalanx can become nearly unstoppable. The slow-moving, spiked wall of a phalanx made it very difficult for the enemy to get close to. Using cavalry against a phalanx was complete suicide if you attack it from the front.
The legionary is a great close-combat infantry of the Roman Republic and later Roman Empire. (unfortunately, the late Roman Empire abandoned them, either because they became ineffective or too costly, or something) They are heavy infantry but the ability to easily frank their enemies. The gladius is a great stabbing weapon and the scutum shield provides unparalleled protection. On top of that, they had the Pilum. A specialized tin tipped javelin was designed to break upon impact so the enemy could not use it back against you when they pull the broken javelin out of their fallen brother in arms.
The Greeks themselves had very good javelin infantry units and good shields, on the other hand. Now, the Romans didn't just fight with legionary, they would hire mercenaries and have auxiliary units. They will even swallow their pride sometimes and get barbarians to help them out.
Hmmmmmmm the age old question I really have no idea.
5271047
Yeah, they are both pretty awesome units.
Gotta say the hoplite. Just put in a choke point in a spear wall and you'vepractically already won.