Chariot (Age of Empires)

The Chariot is a Cavalry unit, a two wheel wagon that is pulled by horses. The Chariot is weaker than the Cavalry, but is cheaper. It is also an easier target for archers because it moves slower than other Stable units (apart from War Elephants). The Chariot and other chariot units requires the Wheel to be upgraded first.

Egyptian Chariots are quite powerful, having +33% hit points. They also present a bit of psychological warfare, because they appear to be stronger than they actually are. Chariots have double attack against Priests, however, thus giving them a purpose in the game, if none other than as priest-busters and historical accuracy.

Civilizations
The chariot is an uncommon unit, and only these civilizations have them available:
 * Egyptians
 * Babylonians
 * Assyrians
 * Hittites
 * Phoenicians
 * Sumerians
 * Shang
 * Roman
 * Palmyrans

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.
 * Nobility: Increases hit points by 15%.

Iron Age

 * Metallurgy: Increases attack by 3 points.
 * Chain Mail: Increases armor by 2 points.


 * Chariots can be upgraded into Scythe Chariot

Civilization Bonuses
Egyptians are the only civilization with a bonus that concerns Chariots
 * Egyptian Chariots have 33% more HP

History
Chariots originated in Sumeria before 2500 BC as four-wheeled carts pulled by Onagers. These chariots were slow and cumbersome compared to later chariots, but provided a protected platform for spearmen and archers. How they were used in combat remains unclear, although all charging animals were intimidating on the battlefield. At this time the horse was not widely domesticated in the civilized parts of the world. In the first half of the Second Millennium BC the chariot basket was reduced in size and mounted on only two wheels. Horses were substituted eventually to provide greater speed. The fast two-wheeled chariot was especially intimidating in battle because of its speed and the shock value of charging horses. At this time horses were rarely being ridden. Charioteers became the elite of the civilized armies for the next 600 or so years. Chariots were often manned by the nobility because of their elite status, the glory to be won, and the high cost of building and maintaining chariots and their horse teams.