Centurion (Age of Empires)

The Centurion is a Heavy Infantry unit in Age of Empires and Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome. They can be built in the Academy building after researching it as the ultimate upgrade of the Hoplite and Phalanx (after researching Aristocracy at the Government Center). Although moderately slow, the centurion is well known for its high hitpoints, great attack and exceptional armor. A Centurion was an officer in the Roman military. A Centurion was in charge of a Century, a military group originally consisting of 100 soldiers, but later consisted of 60 to 80.

Civilizations
Centurion is only available for the following:
 * Greeks
 * Minoans
 * Hittite
 * Phoenicians
 * Sumerians
 * Yamato
 * Carthaginians
 * Macedonians
 * Romans

Tool Age

 * Toolworking: Increases attack by 2 points.
 * Leather Armor: Increases armor by 2 points.

Bronze Age

 * Metalworking: Increases attack by 2 points.
 * Scale Armor: Increases armor by 2 points.
 * Bronze Shield: Increases pierce armor by 1 point.

Iron Age

 * Metallurgy: Increases attack by 3 points.
 * Chain Mail: Increases armor by 2 points.
 * Iron Shield: Increases pierce armor by 1 point.
 * Tower Shield: Increases pierce armor by 1 point.
 * Aristocracy: increases Speed by 25%

Civilization Bonuses

 * Greek Centurions are 30% faster
 * Carthaginian Centurions have 25% more HP
 * Macedonian Centurions have +2 Armour when dealing with slingers, archers and ranged siege units, have +2 Line of sight and are 4 times more resistant to enemy conversions.
 * Centurions are not available for Assyrians, Babylonians, Choson, Egyptians, Palmyrans, Persians and Shang.

History
The smallest tactical unit in the Roman army trusted with independent maneuver was the 100 man century. Each century was commanded by a Centurion, a veteran promoted from the ranks after demonstrating bravery, skill, discipline, and leadership. The century was roughly equivalent to the modern infantry company and the Centurion was a combination of modern infantry captain and top sergeant. Centurions were the backbone of the legions that built and defended the Roman Empire.

Releated Articles

 * Academy
 * Hoplite
 * Phalanx