Thorakitai and Thureophoroi
The thorakitai (Greek: θωρακίται, singular: θωρακίτης, thorakites) and thyreophoroi or thureophoroi (Greek: θυρεοφόροι; singular: thureophoros/thyreophoros, θυρεοφόρος) are a type of infantry unit common in the armies of the Diadochi Alliance and Idgyptian Empire. They are a form of medium infanty, bridging the gap between light infantry/skirmishers and the heavy phalanx.
Composition
Equipment
The defining feature of both units is the thyreos/thureos (Greek: θυρεός), a large oval shield of Celtic origin. Both are also equipped with a Macedonian helmet, typically made of stell though occasionally seen in iron or bronze.
The thorakitai, as the name implies, are more heavily armored than the thureophoroi, being equipped with a chain mail shirt or sometimes a linothorax.
Weaponry
Both are equipped with a long thrusting spear, a short sword, and, if needed, javelins.
Tactics
Both the thureophoroi and the thorakitai are able to fight both in a phalanx formation, armed with long spears, or in more loose, irregular formations to be used against enemy light infantry or to occupy difficult terrain.
Type
Infantry
Overall training Level
Semi-professional
Assumed Veterancy
Trained
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