Militia (Age of Empires II)

The Militia is the first military unit available in Age of Empires II. These units, though being Infantry, are extremely ineffective against most Buildings and Units, though can still easily defeat a Villager without Loom. Although it is said that they are swordsmen, they clearly carry some sort of club. The Militia are ineffective after the Dark Age.

Tactics
The Militia's main objective is providing an early-game defense for the player´s settlement. It can also be used to explore the map for resources and opponents' locations. There are also vital if the player wants to attack in the early game, even before they get into the Feudal Age. Some Infantry or rushing civilizations such as Aztecs, Huns or Celts can perform a tactic commonly known as the Drush ( dark age Rush) this tactic involves into creating several militias ( 5 usually) in order to disrupt the opponents early economy with these units by pursuing the enemy villagers from the resources.

The Militia are generally a waste of good resources that are better spent focusing on building up the player´s economy and advancing to the Feudal Age. Militia are weak and die very easily, but do provide early protection.

Civilizations bonuses

 * Celts Militia move 15% faster, herdables cannot be stolen within a unit's Line of Sight.
 * Chinese Technologies that benefits Militia are 10%/15%/20% cheaper in Feudal/Castle/Imperial age.
 * Goths Militia are 25% cheaper (starting in Feudal age) and have +1 attack vs buildings.
 * Japanese Militia attack 25% faster.
 * Vikings: Militia +20% hit points.
 * Malians: Militia gains +1 pierce armor per Age (starting from Feudal Age)
 * Portuguese: Militia costs 15% less gold.
 * Magyars get Forging, Iron Casting and Blast Furnace for free that upgrades the attack for Militia.
 * Slavs: Tracking upgrade for free.

Team Bonuses

 * A team containing Goths produce Militia 20% faster
 * A team containing Teutons, Militia are more resistant to conversion.

The Conquerors Changes

 * Militia gain 1 pierce armor.
 * Spanish: Blacksmith upgrades for Militia don't cost gold.
 * Aztecs: Militia are produced +15% faster.

The Forgotten Changes

 * Vikings: Militia 10%/15%/20% hit points in Feudal/Castle/Imperial age.

History
''Local peasants and works called up for military duty in times of emergency made up the militia. These temporary soldiers were usually equipped with second-rate weapons and armor. They returned to their normal occupations when the emergency had passed. Levies of militia were often used as second-line troops when great lords assembled their vassals for a campaign. The militia was available for less demanding fighting and other tasks in support of the main army. England's Harold Godwinson stood his ground in 1066 at Hastings with only his vassals. If he had fallen back and called up the Anglo-Saxon militia, known as the furd, some historians believe that he would have not lost his kingdom to William the Conqueror. For much of the Dark Ages there were only small professional armies in the west. Militia led by strong leaders and their few retainers carried on much of the Dark Age fighting.''