Axeman (Age of Empires)

The Axeman is a infantry unit in Age of Empires and the Rise of Rome expansion. It is an upgrade of the Clubman and is statistically among the strongest units of the Tool Age. In large numbers they can be effective, although in the Bronze and Iron Age they are easily outclassed by other Barracks and Academy units. They are not effective against Bowmen because they move too slowly to approach before being killed. However, they are very effective against Villagers and later siege weapons. They tend to dominate the Tool Age for offensive capabilities but are quickly overpowered later in the game.

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.

History
The Axeman in the game is a generic representation of the early stages in a civilization's history, with little or no documentation in many cases, yet it is not unreasonable to consider any civilization having gone through such a stage. Having established itself, the civilization would soon begin to consider alternative uses for the simple weapons they had made. Originally for hunting and defense from animals, axes and clubs en masse can be seen to symbolize the first primitive efforts to organize a military force, the faltering first steps towards more sophisticated weapons and armies.