Broad Swordsman

Broad Swordsman is a unit in Age of Empires that is a stronger upgrade of the Short Swordsman. The Broad Sword Technology is available at the Barracks in the Bronze Age for and. The Broad Swordsman can be upgraded further to a Long Swordsman once Iron Age is reached.

Gameplay
The Broad Swordsman is stronger than the Short Swordsman and is an upgrade available immediately after researching the Short Sword. Only four civilizations in the game cannot upgrade to the Broad Sword. It has more hit points and attack, making it useful in the Bronze Age, being better equipped to stand up to cavalry. However, their speed still poses a problem, making them vulnerable to archers, just like Short Swordsmen. However, they do make a good army in massed numbers for a Bronze Age assault.

Long Swordsman is not available for Egyptians, Greeks and Yamato.

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.
 * Logistics: Decreases population limit by 1/2.

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.
 * Can be upgraded to the Long Swordsman.