This is the third in a series of posts that will discuss a broad range of topics relating to “Hegemony: Philip of Macedon”. This post will introduce the Peltast unit.
Peltasts are fast, mobile light infantry suited to rough terrain and irregular combat. They wear a helmet and carry the pelta, a small crescent shaped shield. Peltasts use javelins at range and melee with a short spear or dagger. As an auxiliary force in battle, peltasts can skirmish to disrupt enemy formations and threaten flanks.
Peltasts are one of the most versatile units in the game, taking over many of the functions of cavalry units in the rugged terrain of the Greek World. Peltasts are great on patrol or at reconnaissance against enemy lines-of-communication. Being both fast and relatively good at melee, makes peltasts the ideal unit for raids, whether by land or by amphibious landing. Be careful though, as peltasts can run into trouble when forced to melee hoplites or phalangites.
The Origin of Peltasts
Peltasts originated in Thrace as a simple all-round infantry unit, combining many of the features of spearmen and javelineers. The versatility of peltasts was a direct adaptation for combat in the rough terrain and forests of Thrace.