 |
This article is about the scenario editor unit in Age of Mythology. For other uses, see Cataphract. |
| “ | Elite cavalry. Good against infantry. | ” |
| —In-game description | ||
The Cataphract was originally planned to be the unique unit for Hades in Age of Mythology, but is only available in the Scenario Editor since release.
It was removed from the game and data files in Retold.
Strengths and weaknesses[]
Anti-cavalry infantry still counter Cataphracts, but not as effectively as they counter other cavalry.
| Strengths and weaknesses | |
|---|---|
| Strong vs. | Infantry, ranged soldiers, siege weapons |
| Weak vs. | Heroes, anti-cavalry infantry, anti-cavalry cavalry |
Technologies[]
| Hit points |  Medium Cavalry: +10% Heavy Cavalry: +15% Champion Cavalry: +20%
|
| Attack | Medium Cavalry: +10% Heavy Cavalry: +10% Champion Cavalry: +10%
|
| Armor |  Copper Armor: +10% hack Bronze Armor: +10% hack Iron Armor: +10% hack Copper Shields: +10% pierce Bronze Shields: +10% pierce Iron Shields: +10% pierce
|
| Line of Sight | Medium Cavalry: +1 Heavy Cavalry: +1 Champion Cavalry: +1 Oracle (Apollo): +6
|
| Creation speed |  Levy Cavalry: +25% Conscript Cavalry: +25%
|
Relic bonuses[]
Pelt of Argus: +6 Line of Sight.- Dwarven Horseshoes: +5% movement speed.
- Thundercloud Shawl: -5% pierce vulnerability.
- Tusk of the Iron Boar: +10% hit points.
History[]
| “ | Cataphracts are strong against infantry. Originally refering[sic] to any armored soldier (including ships) the word "cataphract" was eventually reserved for heavily armored horses, particularly those used by the Sassanids or Byzantines. The elite cataphract of the Greek Byzantine Empire wore chain mail armor on both himself and his mount. These men could shoot composite bows from the saddle or engage the enemy with a spear or sword. They could out-range or evade enemy foot troops, or out armor enemy light cavalry. The Greek Byzantine army had a tradition of good horsemanship because much of their territory was plains or steppe, and the empire was sufficiently wealthy to provide the training and Cataphract's expensive equipment. | ” |
| —In-game help section | ||
Trivia[]
- The Greek/original Cataphract uses the same textures and models as Achilles, suggesting the Cataphract was supposed to be a base unit.
- At one point the Cataphract wore iron armor instead of golden/bronze armor.
- The Cataphract was originally planned for Hades, but replaced with the Gastraphetoros because it made "No sense to have a cavalry unit for an archer 'civilization'". The developer even went on the record saying the Gastraphetes was the last human soldier created for Age of Mythology.
- Despite being called a "Cataphract", the design is more accurate to that of a Hippeus (a Greek knight).
- A Cataphract representing Achilles can be seen shortly after the sixth scenario, when Arkantos is walking towards Ajax and Odysseus.
Gallery[]
Unused Greek Cataphract in-game.
Greek and Chinese Cataphracts fighting each other.
Pre-release image from mid-2002 showing the cut Greek Oxybeles, and Cataphracts.
