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This article is about the unit in Age of Empires. For the similar unit in Age of Empires II, see Cataphract (Age of Empires II). |
Template:AoEUnits The Cataphract is the upgrade of the Heavy Cavalry in Age of Empires. It is the strongest hand cavalry in the game besides hero units. To upgrade the Heavy Cavalry to a Cataphract, 1,600 food and 750 gold is required after Metallurgy is researched. Only a certain number of civilizations have the ability to train this unit. Cataphract deals +5 damage bonus against all melee infantry units except for Academy units.
Strategy
While a somewhat handy unit just by itself, the cost of the upgrade is so ridiculously high that many players find it pointless to research, as it generally does not pay off. In Death Matches, Cataphracts are considered to be a good way for non-chariot civilizations to take on Catapults.
Upgrades
Tool Age
Toolworking: increases attack by 2
Leather Armor Cavalry: increases armor by 2
Bronze Age
- Nobility: increases HP by 15%
- Metalworking: increases attack by 2
- Scale Armor Cavalry: increases armor by 2
Iron Age
- Metallurgy: increases attack by 3
- Chain Mail Cavalry: increases armor by 2
Template:Stable TechTree (Age of Empires)
Civilizations
The Cataphract is an uncommon unit, and only these civilizations can train them:
Civilization bonuses
- Macedonians: Cataphracts have +2 Line of Sight and are four times resistant to conversion.
- Yamato: Cataphracts cost 25% less resources.
Changelog
Definitive Edition
- +20 HP, +1 armor, +1 pierce armor; upgrade cost to 1600F, 750G (previously 2000F, 850G).
- After CU9, All cavalry line units (Cavalry, Heavy Cavalry and Cataphract) got +1 pierce armor. Cataphract also got +20 HP
History
| “ | The cataphract was an improvement on ancient heavy cavalry represented by Alexander the Great’s Companions. The Companions wore only helmets, greaves, and cuirass (breastplate). Cataphracts wore chain mail that covered more of the body and often armored their horses partially also. This gave greater protection against arrows and hand-to-hand weapons. Cataphracts were very expensive to equip, however, and appeared in the armies of only the most warlike and wealthy cultures. | ” |
Gallery
| Units in Age of Empires | |
|---|---|
| Civilian |  Villager ·  Trade Cart |
| Other |  Priest ·  Slinger ·  Artifact |
| Civilian ship |  Fishing Boat ·  Fishing Ship Trade Boat ·  Merchant Ship |
| Infantry |  Clubman ·  Axeman Short Swordsman ·  Broad Swordsman ·  Long Swordsmen ·  Legionary Hoplite ·  Phalangite ·  Centurion |
| Archer |  Bowman Improved Bowman ·  Composite Bowman Chariot Archer Horse Archer ·  Heavy Horse Archer Elephant Archer |
| Cavalry |  Scout Chariot ·  Scythe Chariot Cavalry ·  Heavy Cavalry ·  Cataphract War Elephant ·  Armored Elephant Camel Rider |
| Siege |  Stone Thrower ·  Catapult ·  Heavy Catapult Ballista ·  Helepolis |
| War Ship |  Scout Ship ·  War Galley ·  Trireme Catapult Trireme ·  Juggernaut Fire Galley Light Transport ·  Heavy Transport |
| Scenario Editor-only units | |
Chieftain ·  Donkey · Explorer · General · High Priest ·  Horse ·  Mercenary (removed) ·  Penguin · Pharaoh · Raft · War Chest | |