The cataphract (Greek κατάφρακτος) was a type of heavy cavalryman used primarily in eastern and southeastern Europe, in Anatolia and Iran from late antiquity up through the High Middle Ages. Nations deploying cataphracts at some time in their history included the Sarmatians, Parthians, Sassanid Persians, Armenians, Pergamenes, Romans, Byzantines and others. Cataphracts were the heavy assault force of most nations that used them, acting as shock troops supported by light or heavy infantry and foot or mounted ar ...

Including:

• Cataphract - Etymology of the Term
• Cataphract - Equipment and Tactics
• Cataphract - Related Types

Read more here: » Cataphract: Encyclopedia - Cataphract

Equipment and tactics varied, but cataphracts generally wore heavy armor of scale armour, mail, lamellar armour, horn, or thick quilted cloth, carried a shield, sat on an armoured horse, and charged with lances (kontos) in a tight knee-to-knee formation. Most armies' cataphracts would be equipped with an additional side-arm such as a sword or mace, for use in the melee that followed the charge. Some wore armour that was primarily frontal rather than providing equal protection all around, and sometimes likewise for the horse armour. In some armies cataphracts were not equipped with ...

See also:

Cataphract, Cataphract - Etymology of the Term, Cataphract - Equipment and Tactics, Cataphract - Related Types

Read more here: » Cataphract: Encyclopedia II - Cataphract - Equipment and Tactics

A warrior is a person habitually engaged in war and/or skilled in the waging of war. In tribal societies, warriors often form a caste or class of their own. In feudalism, the vassals essentially form a military or warrior class, even if in actual warfare, peasants may be called to fight as well. In some societies, warfare may be so central that the entire people (or, more often, the male population) may be considered warri ...

Including:

• Warrior - Warrior code

Read more here: » Warrior: Encyclopedia - Warrior

Age of Empires, abbreviated to AoE, is a history-based real-time strategy computer game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, released in 1997. The game allows the user to play as the "spirit guide," god, or immortal leading a historical tribe or civilization. The game became immensely popular and led to several sequels and expansion packs. The name Age of Empires thus started to refer to the Age of Empires series as a whole, which includes the "original" Age of Empires, also A ...

Including:

• Age of Empires - Overview
• Age of Empires - Technology
• Age of Empires - Units
• Age of Empires - Archers
• Age of Empires - Infantry
• Age of Empires - Cavalry
• Age of Empires - Siege Weapons
• Age of Empires - Other units
• Age of Empires - Buildings
• Age of Empires - Technology
• Age of Empires - Non Technology
• Age of Empires - Trade Workshops
• Age of Empires - Expansions
• Age of Empires - Sequels

Read more here: » Age of Empires: Encyclopedia - Age of Empires

Ancient warfare is war as conducted from the beginnings of history to the end of the ancient period. In Europe, the end of antiquity is often equated with the fall of Rome in 476. In China, it can also be seen as ending in the fifth century, with the growing role of mounted warriors needed to counter the ever-growing threat from the north. Ancient warfare - Overview. The difference between prehistoric and ancient warfare is less one of technology than of organization. The development of first city-states, a ...

Including:

• Ancient warfare - Overview
• Ancient warfare - Chariots
• Ancient warfare - Infantry
• Ancient warfare - Cavalry
• Ancient warfare - Naval warfare
• Ancient warfare - Tactics and weapons
• Ancient warfare - Strategy
• Ancient warfare - Tactics
• Ancient warfare - Weapons
• Ancient warfare - Sieges
• Ancient warfare - Cultures
• Ancient warfare - Chinese
• Ancient warfare - Persian
• Ancient warfare - Egyptian
• Ancient warfare - Germanic
• Ancient warfare - Greek
• Ancient warfare - Indus Valley
• Ancient warfare - Japanese
• Ancient warfare - Roman
• Ancient warfare - Important ancient wars
• Ancient warfare - Important ancient battles
• Ancient warfare - Unit types
• Ancient warfare - Sources

Read more here: » Ancient warfare: Encyclopedia - Ancient warfare

An army unit consisting of mounted soldiers is commonly known as cavalry. Cavalry fight from the backs of their mounts, which most often are horses or camels. Infantry travelling by horse and fighting on foot are instead known as mounted infantry or dragoons. Historically cavalry improved mobility, an "instrument which multiplied the fighting value of even the smallest forces, allowing them to outflank and avoid, to surprise and overpower, to retreat and escape according to the requirements of the moment." In some modern milita ...

Including:

• Cavalry - Origins
• Cavalry - Light and heavy cavalry
• Cavalry - Dominance and decline
• Cavalry - Asia
• Cavalry - British Indian Army
• Cavalry - Cavalry's demise
• Cavalry - Social status
• Cavalry - Famous cavalry forces

Read more here: » Cavalry: Encyclopedia - Cavalry

The Byzantine cavalrymen and their horses were superbly trained and capable of performing complex maneuvers on the drillfield and the battlefield alike. While a proportion of the Cataphrats (Kataphractos or Clibanophori) appear to have been lancers or archers only, most had both bows and lances and were equally deadly with either. Their main tactical unit was the Numerus (Also called at times Arithmos or Banda) of 300-400 men. The equivalent to the old Roman Cohort or the modern Battalion, the Numeri were usually formed in line ...

See also:

Byzantine battle tactics, Byzantine battle tactics - Cavalry armor arms and equipment, Byzantine battle tactics - Cavalry formations and tactics, Byzantine battle tactics - Other cavalry types

Read more here: » Byzantine battle tactics: Encyclopedia II - Byzantine battle tactics - Cavalry formations and tactics

Military history - Early militaries. In the earliest societies, such as hunter-gatherer societies, there were no social roles or divisions of labor (with the exception of age or sex differences), so every able person contributed to any raids or defense of territory. Only in relatively advanced agricultural societies was there the possibility of professional soldiers or militaries as distinct, organized units. Much of what we know of ancient history is the history of militaries: their conquests, their movem ...

See also:

Military history, Military history - Periods of military history, Military history - Early militaries, Military history - Medieval militaries, Military history - Modern militaries, Military history - Reporting of military events, Military history - Military historians, Military history - Types of warfare, Military history - Technological Evolution, Military history - Military history by region, Military history - Classified by region and era, Military history - Miscellaneous military history

Read more here: » Military history: Encyclopedia II - Military history - Periods of military history

The decline of the Roman infrastructure made it more difficult to field large infantry forces, and during the second and third centuries cavalry began to take a more dominant role on the battlefield, also in part made possible by the appearance of new, larger breeds of horses. The replacement of the insubstantial Roman saddle by variants on the Scythian model, with pommel and cantle, was significant too. New armored Cataphracts were deployed in eastern Europe and the near East, notably in Persian forces as the main striking force of the armies, whereas e ...

See also:

Cavalry, Cavalry - Origins, Cavalry - Light and heavy cavalry, Cavalry - Plate Armour and firearms developed together for 250 years, Cavalry - Dominance and decline, Cavalry - Asia, Cavalry - British Indian Army, Cavalry - Cavalry's demise, Cavalry - Social status, Cavalry - Famous cavalry forces

Read more here: » Cavalry: Encyclopedia II - Cavalry - Dominance and decline

The difference between prehistoric and ancient warfare is less one of technology than of organization. The development of first city-states, and then empires, allowed warfare to change dramatically. Beginning in Mesopotamia, states produced sufficient agricultural surplus that full-time ruling elites and military commanders could emerge. While the bulk of military forces were still farmers, the society could support having them campaigning rather than working the land for a portion of each year. Thus, or ...

See also:

Ancient warfare, Ancient warfare - Overview, Ancient warfare - Chariots, Ancient warfare - Infantry, Ancient warfare - Cavalry, Ancient warfare - Naval warfare, Ancient warfare - Tactics and weapons, Ancient warfare - Strategy, Ancient warfare - Tactics, Ancient warfare - Weapons, Ancient warfare - Sieges, Ancient warfare - Cultures, Ancient warfare - Chinese, Ancient warfare - Persian, Ancient warfare - Egyptian, Ancient warfare - Germanic, Ancient warfare - Greek, Ancient warfare - Indus Valley, Ancient warfare - Japanese, Ancient warfare - Roman, Ancient warfare - Important ancient wars, Ancient warfare - Important ancient battles, Ancient warfare - Unit types, Ancient warfare - Sources

Read more here: » Ancient warfare: Encyclopedia II - Ancient warfare - Overview

Age of Empires - Archers. Bowman Improved Bowman - upgrades to Composite bowman Chariot Archer Elephant Archer Horse archer - upgrades to Heavy Horse Archer Age of Empires - Infantry. Clubman - upgrades to Axeman Short Swordsman - upgrades to Broad Swordsman, Long swordsman and Legion Hoplite - upgrades to Phalanx and Centurion Age of Empires - Cavalry. Scout Chariot Cavalry - upgrades to Heavy Cavalry and ...

See also:

Age of Empires, Age of Empires - Overview, Age of Empires - Technology, Age of Empires - Units, Age of Empires - Archers, Age of Empires - Infantry, Age of Empires - Cavalry, Age of Empires - Siege Weapons, Age of Empires - Other units, Age of Empires - Buildings, Age of Empires - Technology, Age of Empires - Non Technology, Age of Empires - Trade Workshops, Age of Empires - Expansions, Age of Empires - Sequels

Read more here: » Age of Empires: Encyclopedia II - Age of Empires - Units

The decline of the Roman infrastructure made it more difficult to field large infantry forces, and during the second and third centuries cavalry began to take a more dominant role on the battlefield, also in part made possible by the appearance of new, larger breeds of horses. The replacement of the insubstantial Roman saddle by variants on the Scythian model, with pommel and cantle, was significant too. New armored Cataphracts were deployed in eastern Europe and the near East, notably in Persian forces as the main striking force of the armies, whereas e ...

See also:

Cavalry, Cavalry - Origins, Cavalry - Light and heavy cavalry, Cavalry - Dominance and decline, Cavalry - Asia, Cavalry - British Indian Army, Cavalry - Cavalry's demise, Cavalry - Social status, Cavalry - Famous cavalry forces

Read more here: » Cavalry: Encyclopedia II - Cavalry - Dominance and decline

The following units can be created at various buildings: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Barracks. Dark Age Militia Feudal Age Man-at-Arms (Upgraded from Militia) Spearman Castle Age Long Swordsman (Upgraded from Man-at-Arms) Pikeman (Upgraded from Spearman) Imperial Age Two-Handed Swordsman (Upgraded from Long Swordsman) Cha ...

See also:

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Overview, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Civilizations, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Campaigns, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Units, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Barracks, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Stable, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Archery Range, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Siege Workshop, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Castle, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Dock, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Other Units, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Cheat Codes, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Unique Units, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Wonders and Relics, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Scenario Editor, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Soundtrack, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - PlayStation 2, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Nintendo DS

Read more here: » Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings: Encyclopedia II - Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Units

The Imperial Cataphract was a heavy cavalry horse archer and lancer, who symbolized the power of Constantinople in much the same way as the Legionary represented the might of Rome. The Cataphract wore a conical-shaped casque helmet, topped with a tuft of horsehair dyed his unit's color. He wore a long shirt of doubled layered chain or scale mail, which extended down to his upper legs. Leather boots or greaves protected his lower legs, while gauntlets protected his hands. He carried a small, round shield bearing his unit's colors and i ...

See also:

Byzantine battle tactics, Byzantine battle tactics - Cavalry armor arms and equipment, Byzantine battle tactics - Cavalry formations and tactics, Byzantine battle tactics - Other cavalry types

Read more here: » Byzantine battle tactics: Encyclopedia II - Byzantine battle tactics - Cavalry armor arms and equipment

Before the Iron Age, the role of cavalry on the battlefield was largely performed by light chariots. The power of mobility given by mounted units was recognized early on, but was offset by the difficulty of raising large forces and by the inability of horses (then mostly small) to carry heavy armor. The chariot originated with the Sintashta-Petrovka culture in Central Asia and spread by nomadic or semi-nomadic Indo-Iranians. The chariot was quickly adopted by settled peoples both as a military technology and an object of ceremonial status by the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom of Egypt as well ...

See also:

Cavalry, Cavalry - Origins, Cavalry - Light and heavy cavalry, Cavalry - Plate Armour and firearms developed together for 250 years, Cavalry - Dominance and decline, Cavalry - Asia, Cavalry - British Indian Army, Cavalry - Cavalry's demise, Cavalry - Social status, Cavalry - Famous cavalry forces

Read more here: » Cavalry: Encyclopedia II - Cavalry - Origins

In the 20th century the advent of modern vehicles with effective mobility and armor, such as tanks, provided the opportunity for vehicles to replace horses as the key mobile element of an army. This change was made even more necessary by the development of the machine gun and other weapons which could easily destroy cavalry formations. Horses became relegated to logistical roles, with few exceptions (see tachanka). The demise of cavalry as a decisive force on the battlefield came in the First World War when cavalry forces were slaught ...

See also:

Cavalry, Cavalry - Origins, Cavalry - Light and heavy cavalry, Cavalry - Plate Armour and firearms developed together for 250 years, Cavalry - Dominance and decline, Cavalry - Asia, Cavalry - British Indian Army, Cavalry - Cavalry's demise, Cavalry - Social status, Cavalry - Famous cavalry forces

Read more here: » Cavalry: Encyclopedia II - Cavalry - Cavalry's demise

In AoE, twelve civilizations (often referred to as "civs") are available: Ancient Egyptians Assyrians Ancient Greeks Babylonians Choson (Koreans) Hittites Persians Phoenicians Minoans Shang (Chinese) Sumerians Yamato (Japanese) When the game was first released, the Shang were considered the most powerful civilization: as villagers cost 30% less for them, a skilled player controlling the Shang could make it to t ...

See also:

Age of Empires, Age of Empires - Overview, Age of Empires - Technology, Age of Empires - Units, Age of Empires - Archers, Age of Empires - Infantry, Age of Empires - Cavalry, Age of Empires - Siege Weapons, Age of Empires - Other units, Age of Empires - Buildings, Age of Empires - Technology, Age of Empires - Non Technology, Age of Empires - Trade Workshops, Age of Empires - Expansions, Age of Empires - Sequels

Read more here: » Age of Empires: Encyclopedia II - Age of Empires - Overview

Research into various types of technology can allow one civilization to gain advantages (such as better armed and protected units, and stronger buildings with better lines of sight) over competing civilizations. A major research goal is to allow advances through the ages (stone age < tool age < bronze age < iron age). Researched at the town centers, age advances makes new buildings, units and technologies available. In order to advance from one age to another, two technology buildings from the current age and a ...

See also:

Age of Empires, Age of Empires - Overview, Age of Empires - Technology, Age of Empires - Units, Age of Empires - Archers, Age of Empires - Infantry, Age of Empires - Cavalry, Age of Empires - Siege Weapons, Age of Empires - Other units, Age of Empires - Buildings, Age of Empires - Technology, Age of Empires - Non Technology, Age of Empires - Trade Workshops, Age of Empires - Expansions, Age of Empires - Sequels

Read more here: » Age of Empires: Encyclopedia II - Age of Empires - Technology

From the beginning of civilization to the 20th century, ownership of heavy cavalry horses has been a mark of wealth amongst settled peoples. A cavalry horse involves considerable expense in breeding, training, feeding, and equipment, and has very little productive use except as a mode of transport. For this reason, and because of their often decisive military role, the cavalry has typically been associated with high social status. This was most clearly seen in the feudal system, where a lord was expected to enter combat armored and on ...

See also:

Cavalry, Cavalry - Origins, Cavalry - Light and heavy cavalry, Cavalry - Plate Armour and firearms developed together for 250 years, Cavalry - Dominance and decline, Cavalry - Asia, Cavalry - British Indian Army, Cavalry - Cavalry's demise, Cavalry - Social status, Cavalry - Famous cavalry forces

Read more here: » Cavalry: Encyclopedia II - Cavalry - Social status

To execute a cheat, press Enter and type the cheat into the chat box that appears, then press Enter again to enter the cheat. Some cheats can be toggled on/off by typing them again, e.g. 'Marco' and 'Polo' How do you turn this on: Creates a very strong unit, the "Cobra Car". I love the monkey head: Creates a very fast naked villager (VDML) that doesn't do anything. Good for scouting, and can fire arrows just like regular villagers if garrisoned in buildings. To smithereens: Gives you a Saboteur unit, a much str ...

See also:

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Overview, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Civilizations, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Campaigns, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Units, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Barracks, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Stable, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Archery Range, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Siege Workshop, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Castle, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Dock, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Other Units, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Cheat Codes, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Unique Units, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Wonders and Relics, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Scenario Editor, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Soundtrack, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - PlayStation 2, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Nintendo DS

Read more here: » Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings: Encyclopedia II - Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Cheat Codes