Contarii are a type of shock cavalry in Total War: Attila.
Description[]
"Contarii are heavily armoured shock troops, forming Rome’s elite heavy cavalry force."
Although the Roman Empire was responsible for countless military advances during its tenure, it couldn’t realistically claim to be responsible for them all. The cataphracts of Parthia – the shock cavalry of the ancient age, armoured from head-to-toe and wielding lances - devastated the Legions at Carrhae in 53BC and again at Nisibis in AD217. This, in combination with the increasing number of incursions by steppe nomads, who also fielded heavy lancers, caused the Roman army to begin modelling its own tactics around similarly heavy cavalry. Thus were formed the 'equites catafractarii' in several variants to fulfil specific functions on the battlefield, such as clibinarii and contarii, heavy horsemen armed with lances. The lance used was a deadly weapon; known as a ‘contus’, it was a long, thrusting spear that probably required the use of both hands. To wield such a weapon whilst simultaneously handling a horse on the charge must have taken great skill, proving that contarii were exceptional mounted soldiers.
Strength and Weaknesses[]
- Excellent Charge Bonus
- High Health
- Good Speed
Base Stats[]
| Contarii | |
|---|---|
| Unit | |
| Number of Men: | 80 |
| Morale: | 34 |
| Bonus HP: | 5 |
| Melee Attack: | 21 |
| Melee Defense: | 2 |
| Charge Bonus: | 201 |
| Reload: | 0 |
| Ammunition: | 0 |
| Medium Infantry | |
| Human | |
| Hit Points: | 90 |
| Mass: | 100 |
| Light Horse | |
| Mount | |
| Hit Points: | 110 |
| Mass: | 385 |
| Walk Speed: | 18,5 |
| Run Speed: | 90 |
| Charge Speed: | 115 |
| Charge Distance: | 75 |
Weapons and Gear[]
| Lance | |
|---|---|
| Melee Weapon | |
| Damage: | 3 |
| Armour Penetration Damage: | 7 |
| Bonus vs Infantry: | 0 |
| Bonus vs Cavalry: | 10 |
| Bonus vs Elephants: | 0 |
| Building damage: | 0.033 |
| Very Heavy Leather Armour | |
|---|---|
| Armour | |
| Armour: | 25 |
Abilities[]
Attributes[]
 Hide (forest)
|
|---|
| This unit can hide in forests until enemy units get too close. |