Squid
04-02-2008, 21:09
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/6085/title3zw2.jpg
https://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/lorbok123/mak-2.jpg
MACEDONIA
THE KINGS OF THE EARTH
It is 217 B.C...
It has been a hundred years since Alexander breathed his last in Babylon -- a hundred years of loss and defeat. Macedonians watched as Alexander's generals claimed what he had conquered. They watched as civil war tore apart their homelands. They watched as barbarians moved freely across their borders. They watched as the Greeks to the south asserted their independence. They watched as other powers rose while they were stagnant. They watched themselves fall.
But the time for lamentations is past.
Macedonians are no strangers to victory. They have tasted it, and it calls to them! Macedon has its allies among the Boeotians, Thessalians and Acarnanians. These people protect the borders of Macedon, and their power is enough to push deep into Greece herself. Mighty Sparta stood against the Macedonian armies and at Sellasia, in 222 B.C., Macedon and Sparta fought. Macedon was victorious, and the Spartans were a broken people.
Now, five years later, the whole of Greece is ripe for the taking.
The young Macedonian leader, Philip V, is a strong king. He came to the throne when he was 17, but won great victories against the Dardani in Illyria. There is a war going on now, but it is a war that Macedon is winning.
He has formed a Hellenic League, with Macedon at its head, and has won victory after victory against Greeks in the Peloponnese. Philip is respected and feared outside of Macedon -- such glory for one so young! There is much to do yet, yes, much to do.... if Macedon cannot have Alexander, Philip is the next best. And who is to say that one day, Philip's successes might not rival those of Alexander?
If there was ever a time to restore and expand Macedonian glory, it is now.
Of course, there is Rome to the West -- the Republic grows ever stronger and more ambitious. But they are at war with Carthage -- even now Hannibal Barca leads his host into the Roman heartlands! And more then this, he has sent envoys to treat with Philip and propose an alliance against the Roman threat! Surely a Macedon that holds all of Greece can defeat even the greatest Roman army. To the east, Pergamum is encouraging Roman meddling in Macedonian affairs. Let them try! After the Romans fall, Pergamum will be next!
Now is the time, with Rome under assault, Greece humbled, and the East unsettled... now is the time to reclaim the glory of Alexander!
https://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/lorbok123/mak-2.jpg
The Macedonians of Roma Surrectum 2.0 field a diverse and powerful army. This isn't the orange and purple horde of vanilla Rome: Total War. It's not even the mostly orange and purple horde of earlier Roma Surrectum versions. This Macedon is how Macedon should be represented -- the military heirs of the greatest army to ever take the field -- the heirs of Philip and Alexander! Their spears are sharp, their horses swift, and their shields strong! Awake, Macedon! Awake, and reclaim what is yours!
https://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/lorbok123/mak-2.jpg
THE MACEDONIAN PHALANX
The closed ranks of the Macedonian phalanx, first organized by Philip II, ushered in a military revolution and swept all opponents before it. A century later, the phalanx remains the centerpiece of the Macedonian army.
In Roma Surrectum 2.0, we aim to properly represent the diverse army that Macedon boasted in this period. We will differentiate between units within the phalanx -- after all, not all parts were equal. RS2 boasts six different units of phalangites. The most dependable phalangites are found in the heart of Macedon, while other strong supporting units are recruited from the citizens in the surrounding regions. Additionally, RS2 has allied phalangites, recruitable in the wider Macedonian AOR, as well as the traditional levy phalangites that were used to bolster the phalanx. Of course, the costs of units vary, depending on their location and ability. This unique take on Macedon leads to greater use of strategic recruitment and logistics by the player, as well as more varied units in battles. And as you will see, they make an impressive sight assembled on the field of battle!
A simple summarization is this: phalangite recruitment is divided into two groups: 'homeland' and 'settler.' Homeland phalangites are recruitable in the Macedonian homeland. They are more reliable than the settler phalangites (from areas outside of Macedon), but not so much so that training settlers wouldn't be cost effective. The two different groups complement each other to form a strong army.
https://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1120/agemaphalangitesmainar9.jpg
Agema Phalangites
These men are possibly the best phalangites available in the Greek world! Years of hard training has given them superior skill, while years of war have hardened them in such way that their morale is almost unbreakable. The Agema were composed of men over 35 years old who finished service with the Royal Peltasts. (In game, this unit also represents Royal Peltastai armed in phalangitai gear -- they fought as such in some battles.) The Agema are recruited in the heart of Macedon. They may be expensive, but their ability makes the expense worth it. The Agema are a homeland unit.
https://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6575/agemamacedondv8.jpg
In the battle of Pydna they were distinguished by scarlet cloaks and great courage -- 3000 men strong unit fought to the last man against Romans who surrounded them.
The Agema Phalangite wears a composite cuirass, similar to this one:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/1-templeofAphaiaAthenainaigina.jpg
The shield is based on 3 preserved shield covers of thin bronze plates found in Dion, Dodona and Beroia.
Their helmet is of the popular "konos" type -- one of the well decorated forms suitable for rich soldiers. The original comes from a relief in Magnesia-Tores (Ephesus) dated to middle second century BC:
https://img86.imageshack.us/img86/4504/agemacoinsu1.jpg
https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4674/amfipoliteasphalangitesuw7.jpg
Amphipolitan Phalangites
The Amphipolitan phalangites are recruited specifically from eastern Macedon -- the area around the city of Amphipolis. Amphipolitan and Bottian phalangites together form the full levy of Macedonian citizens in the phalanx. They are not as powerful as the Agema phalangites, but they are nonetheless a dependable and necessary addition to any Macedonian army. This is a homeland unit.
https://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9066/amfipolisphalangiteur2.jpg
The Amphipolitan Phalangites' shield is tinned bronze. The design follows the common Macedonian pattern of concentric half-ellipses around the edges with central motifs. In this case the specific design is derived from this coin, dated from the time of Philip V and minted in the city from which these phalangites derive their name:
https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2223/amphibshieldcoinvy7.jpg
https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8573/bottianphalangitesxs1.jpg
Bottian Phalangites
These men are recruits from two western districts of the Macedonian Kingdom, Upper Macedonia and Bottia. Here Philip II trained the Macedonian phalangitai for the first time and they are considered to be among the best soldiers in the world. They are well trained and brave -- maybe not yet as great as the men whom Alexander led in Asia, but they need just a bit of battle hardening! This is a homeland unit.
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/764/macedonianpezoibottiasvu0.jpg
The Bottian phalangites' helmet is a late version of the "pilos" type featured on Macedonian coins from the reign of Philip V and Perseus. In one of the clauses of military regulation from Amphipolis, "konos" is mentioned as the helmet of phalangites, and that's why different versions of "pilos" and very similar "konos" and "konos/pilos" types are so common among Macedonian phalangites.
The shield has the typical Macedonian motif of half-ellipses. This appears on coins from time of Philip II until the late half of the 2nd century BC, and even under Roman occupation on things like jewelery. The shield emblem is a club of Herakles -- the mythical ancestor of Macedonian Kings. The whole motif is known from coins of the Bottian district, minted late in the reign of Philip V:
https://img352.imageshack.us/img352/5338/bottian1tq6.jpg
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/6770/bottian2dp2.jpg
https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6241/katoikoiphalangitesmaindw4.jpg
Katoikoi (Medium Phalangites)
The Katoikoi are a citizen levy of Greek and Macedonian citizens who form the backbone of the Macedonian phalanx. While not as well armed or trained as the heavy phalanx, they can still be counted on to fight well for their king and hold the line against the enemy. This is a settler unit, available outside the Macedonian homeland.
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1070/katoikoiphalangitesea5.jpg
Levy phalangites carried a short sword/knife:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/parazonion-hoplitebeltknifepuggiost.jpg
Their shield is based on this example, as well as traditional Macedonian motifs:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/BronzeShieldofKingPharnakesIwhor-1.jpg
https://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4062/pandotapoiphalangitesmaab3.jpg
Pantodapoi (Levy Phalangites)
The Pantodapoi are local levies trained and armed in the fashion of the Macedonian phalanx. They are not particularly skilled or disciplined, but their numbers (and relatively low cost) make them an important component of the Macedonian battle line. This is a settler unit, available outside the homeland.
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/17/pandotaipoiphalangitesdu0.jpg
The central shield motif of the Pantodapoi is a winged thunderbolt.
https://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/lorbok123/mak-2.jpg
HELLENIC INFANTRY
Combining Macedonian and Greek tactics and organization, these units provide lighter troops who support the central phalanx and conduct tough assaults over rough ground or into enemy fortifications.
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5373/hypaspistaimainxn8.jpg
Hypaspists
The Hypaspistai –- the Shield Bearers –- are the best armed and wealthiest Macedonians. Their training and discipline is such that only the toughest veterans of other nations could even think of facing them in battle! However, their prowess comes with a price -- they carry equipment worthy of a king and they expected to be richly rewarded for their service -- in land and money!
Hypaspistai of the Antigonid period are no longer the same unit they were in the time of Alexander the Great. Under normal circumstances they served as a small, close royal bodyguard and military police and in the battles, if they actually took part in them, they were most probably officers of other units or the closest companions to the king. But if a Macedonian king could become rich enough, he could make a proper unit of them! In the Macedonian homeland only few families reached such wealth, and newly conquered land is needed to raise new men to this high status.
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1200/hypaspistaimacedonuw4.jpg
We know that Hypaspists were chosen from the richest citizens of the kingdom thanks to one of the inscriptions from Macedonia. We find the clause that informs us that those who serve as hypaspistai have to be of special status in terms of their possessions.
The blue color used for the shield of the Hypaspistai is derived from that at the center left in this image:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/hagiosathanasiossoliderud6.jpg
The shield's central motif is a winged thunderbolt.
They wear an iron cuirass in the form of linothorax, covered with purple cloth, like this iron cuirass with gold detail from the 4th century BC Tomb of Philip of Macedon at Vergina now displayed at the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/111armuredephilip.jpg
Their helmet is in the Phrygian style with cheek pieces, painted blue and gold:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos2/PIC_0579.jpg
A similar helmet is also seen here in a colorized image of Alexander's sarcophagus now in Istanbul. (Note that ancient Greek statues were painted):
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/persianhorseman.jpg
They wear highly decorated greaves like these gilded Thracian greaves from the tomb at Vratsa:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/treasure-vratsa.jpg
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8870/thureophoroimainnn2.jpg
Thureophoroi
The Thureophoroi are a more recent addition to the Macedonian battle line -– a cross between a heavy peltast and light phalangite, they are a mobile, adaptable unit that hurls javelins and then closes to fight with their stout spears. Well armored and trained, these are excellent warriors who provide protection to the flanks of the phalanx.
https://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5671/thureophoroimacedonkw3.jpg
The Thureophoroi get their name from their shield, the thureos.
The armor similar to that seen in this image:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9353/pic1348ux7.jpg
https://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8691/basilikonpeltastairoyalzn5.jpg
Royal Peltasts
A unit of the Royal Guard (Basilikon) armed in the peltast manner, these men are elite light infantry who combine a devastating javelin attack with skillful swordplay. They are well armored and, as veterans, they can scatter opposing light troops and even assault the flanks of heavy infantry formations. Tough, mobile, and disciplined, they are one of the best units available to Macedon. These are the men that will, in time, become the Agema phalangites.
https://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8017/basilikonpeltastaijj1.jpg
The armor of the Royal Peltasts is a composite cuirass -- partly plate and partly scale, it resembles a linothorax with scale reinforcements on the belly, similar to this is interpretation of Alexander's armor from the famous mosaic in Pompeii:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/hoplita-grecki-vii-v-w-p_465.jpg
Their helmet is a tinned Attico-Thracian, like this one found in the Corfu museum:
https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1318/atticothrachelmpo1.jpg
Their shield resembles this reconstruction of a shield found in Dion, Olympus:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/hele_macedon_royal.jpg
Their greaves are similar to these found in the Thracian tomb "Golyamata Kosmatka", situated in the vicinity of the Shipka pass in the Balkan mountains, in the district of the town of Kazanluk (central Bulgaria):
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/helmetandgreavesfoundinThraceKroain.jpg
For more info on the archaeological dig that discovered these greaves, look here:
http://www.kroraina.com/thracia/gk/
https://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6138/psiloimaintp7.jpg
Psiloi
Psiloi are the lightly-armored missile troops that fight with the Macedonian army. Their ranks include peltasts, archers, slingers, and skirmishers -- all important additions to any self-respecting force! Used wisely they will prove their worth.
Peltasts
https://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5627/peltastszc8.jpg
https://img352.imageshack.us/img352/6647/greekpeltastmacedonag8.jpg
The Peltasts are a valuable force of armored skirmishers combining the mobility and firepower of the akonistai with better armor and the ability to fight hand-to-hand against lightly armored opponents.
Archers
https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7913/archerspj9.jpg
Hellenic Archers have their place in Macedonian armies, but they are somewhat rare. While they are more disciplined than Eastern archers, their bows lack the range and power of the composite bow.
Slingers
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9033/slingersao1.jpg
Hellenic Slingers are good missile troops, but woefully unprepared for hand-to-hand combat. Use them to soften up the enemy, but do not leave them exposed!
Skirmishers
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7726/skirmdt0.jpg
Light javelin troops armed in the Hellenic style, these men are undisciplined but valuable –- used properly their hail of javelins can have great impact. Just keep them out of melee, or they will quickly break, rout, and die!
https://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/lorbok123/mak-2.jpg
MACEDONIA
THE KINGS OF THE EARTH
It is 217 B.C...
It has been a hundred years since Alexander breathed his last in Babylon -- a hundred years of loss and defeat. Macedonians watched as Alexander's generals claimed what he had conquered. They watched as civil war tore apart their homelands. They watched as barbarians moved freely across their borders. They watched as the Greeks to the south asserted their independence. They watched as other powers rose while they were stagnant. They watched themselves fall.
But the time for lamentations is past.
Macedonians are no strangers to victory. They have tasted it, and it calls to them! Macedon has its allies among the Boeotians, Thessalians and Acarnanians. These people protect the borders of Macedon, and their power is enough to push deep into Greece herself. Mighty Sparta stood against the Macedonian armies and at Sellasia, in 222 B.C., Macedon and Sparta fought. Macedon was victorious, and the Spartans were a broken people.
Now, five years later, the whole of Greece is ripe for the taking.
The young Macedonian leader, Philip V, is a strong king. He came to the throne when he was 17, but won great victories against the Dardani in Illyria. There is a war going on now, but it is a war that Macedon is winning.
He has formed a Hellenic League, with Macedon at its head, and has won victory after victory against Greeks in the Peloponnese. Philip is respected and feared outside of Macedon -- such glory for one so young! There is much to do yet, yes, much to do.... if Macedon cannot have Alexander, Philip is the next best. And who is to say that one day, Philip's successes might not rival those of Alexander?
If there was ever a time to restore and expand Macedonian glory, it is now.
Of course, there is Rome to the West -- the Republic grows ever stronger and more ambitious. But they are at war with Carthage -- even now Hannibal Barca leads his host into the Roman heartlands! And more then this, he has sent envoys to treat with Philip and propose an alliance against the Roman threat! Surely a Macedon that holds all of Greece can defeat even the greatest Roman army. To the east, Pergamum is encouraging Roman meddling in Macedonian affairs. Let them try! After the Romans fall, Pergamum will be next!
Now is the time, with Rome under assault, Greece humbled, and the East unsettled... now is the time to reclaim the glory of Alexander!
https://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/lorbok123/mak-2.jpg
The Macedonians of Roma Surrectum 2.0 field a diverse and powerful army. This isn't the orange and purple horde of vanilla Rome: Total War. It's not even the mostly orange and purple horde of earlier Roma Surrectum versions. This Macedon is how Macedon should be represented -- the military heirs of the greatest army to ever take the field -- the heirs of Philip and Alexander! Their spears are sharp, their horses swift, and their shields strong! Awake, Macedon! Awake, and reclaim what is yours!
https://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/lorbok123/mak-2.jpg
THE MACEDONIAN PHALANX
The closed ranks of the Macedonian phalanx, first organized by Philip II, ushered in a military revolution and swept all opponents before it. A century later, the phalanx remains the centerpiece of the Macedonian army.
In Roma Surrectum 2.0, we aim to properly represent the diverse army that Macedon boasted in this period. We will differentiate between units within the phalanx -- after all, not all parts were equal. RS2 boasts six different units of phalangites. The most dependable phalangites are found in the heart of Macedon, while other strong supporting units are recruited from the citizens in the surrounding regions. Additionally, RS2 has allied phalangites, recruitable in the wider Macedonian AOR, as well as the traditional levy phalangites that were used to bolster the phalanx. Of course, the costs of units vary, depending on their location and ability. This unique take on Macedon leads to greater use of strategic recruitment and logistics by the player, as well as more varied units in battles. And as you will see, they make an impressive sight assembled on the field of battle!
A simple summarization is this: phalangite recruitment is divided into two groups: 'homeland' and 'settler.' Homeland phalangites are recruitable in the Macedonian homeland. They are more reliable than the settler phalangites (from areas outside of Macedon), but not so much so that training settlers wouldn't be cost effective. The two different groups complement each other to form a strong army.
https://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1120/agemaphalangitesmainar9.jpg
Agema Phalangites
These men are possibly the best phalangites available in the Greek world! Years of hard training has given them superior skill, while years of war have hardened them in such way that their morale is almost unbreakable. The Agema were composed of men over 35 years old who finished service with the Royal Peltasts. (In game, this unit also represents Royal Peltastai armed in phalangitai gear -- they fought as such in some battles.) The Agema are recruited in the heart of Macedon. They may be expensive, but their ability makes the expense worth it. The Agema are a homeland unit.
https://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6575/agemamacedondv8.jpg
In the battle of Pydna they were distinguished by scarlet cloaks and great courage -- 3000 men strong unit fought to the last man against Romans who surrounded them.
The Agema Phalangite wears a composite cuirass, similar to this one:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/1-templeofAphaiaAthenainaigina.jpg
The shield is based on 3 preserved shield covers of thin bronze plates found in Dion, Dodona and Beroia.
Their helmet is of the popular "konos" type -- one of the well decorated forms suitable for rich soldiers. The original comes from a relief in Magnesia-Tores (Ephesus) dated to middle second century BC:
https://img86.imageshack.us/img86/4504/agemacoinsu1.jpg
https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4674/amfipoliteasphalangitesuw7.jpg
Amphipolitan Phalangites
The Amphipolitan phalangites are recruited specifically from eastern Macedon -- the area around the city of Amphipolis. Amphipolitan and Bottian phalangites together form the full levy of Macedonian citizens in the phalanx. They are not as powerful as the Agema phalangites, but they are nonetheless a dependable and necessary addition to any Macedonian army. This is a homeland unit.
https://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9066/amfipolisphalangiteur2.jpg
The Amphipolitan Phalangites' shield is tinned bronze. The design follows the common Macedonian pattern of concentric half-ellipses around the edges with central motifs. In this case the specific design is derived from this coin, dated from the time of Philip V and minted in the city from which these phalangites derive their name:
https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2223/amphibshieldcoinvy7.jpg
https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8573/bottianphalangitesxs1.jpg
Bottian Phalangites
These men are recruits from two western districts of the Macedonian Kingdom, Upper Macedonia and Bottia. Here Philip II trained the Macedonian phalangitai for the first time and they are considered to be among the best soldiers in the world. They are well trained and brave -- maybe not yet as great as the men whom Alexander led in Asia, but they need just a bit of battle hardening! This is a homeland unit.
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/764/macedonianpezoibottiasvu0.jpg
The Bottian phalangites' helmet is a late version of the "pilos" type featured on Macedonian coins from the reign of Philip V and Perseus. In one of the clauses of military regulation from Amphipolis, "konos" is mentioned as the helmet of phalangites, and that's why different versions of "pilos" and very similar "konos" and "konos/pilos" types are so common among Macedonian phalangites.
The shield has the typical Macedonian motif of half-ellipses. This appears on coins from time of Philip II until the late half of the 2nd century BC, and even under Roman occupation on things like jewelery. The shield emblem is a club of Herakles -- the mythical ancestor of Macedonian Kings. The whole motif is known from coins of the Bottian district, minted late in the reign of Philip V:
https://img352.imageshack.us/img352/5338/bottian1tq6.jpg
https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/6770/bottian2dp2.jpg
https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6241/katoikoiphalangitesmaindw4.jpg
Katoikoi (Medium Phalangites)
The Katoikoi are a citizen levy of Greek and Macedonian citizens who form the backbone of the Macedonian phalanx. While not as well armed or trained as the heavy phalanx, they can still be counted on to fight well for their king and hold the line against the enemy. This is a settler unit, available outside the Macedonian homeland.
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1070/katoikoiphalangitesea5.jpg
Levy phalangites carried a short sword/knife:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/parazonion-hoplitebeltknifepuggiost.jpg
Their shield is based on this example, as well as traditional Macedonian motifs:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/BronzeShieldofKingPharnakesIwhor-1.jpg
https://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4062/pandotapoiphalangitesmaab3.jpg
Pantodapoi (Levy Phalangites)
The Pantodapoi are local levies trained and armed in the fashion of the Macedonian phalanx. They are not particularly skilled or disciplined, but their numbers (and relatively low cost) make them an important component of the Macedonian battle line. This is a settler unit, available outside the homeland.
https://img340.imageshack.us/img340/17/pandotaipoiphalangitesdu0.jpg
The central shield motif of the Pantodapoi is a winged thunderbolt.
https://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/lorbok123/mak-2.jpg
HELLENIC INFANTRY
Combining Macedonian and Greek tactics and organization, these units provide lighter troops who support the central phalanx and conduct tough assaults over rough ground or into enemy fortifications.
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5373/hypaspistaimainxn8.jpg
Hypaspists
The Hypaspistai –- the Shield Bearers –- are the best armed and wealthiest Macedonians. Their training and discipline is such that only the toughest veterans of other nations could even think of facing them in battle! However, their prowess comes with a price -- they carry equipment worthy of a king and they expected to be richly rewarded for their service -- in land and money!
Hypaspistai of the Antigonid period are no longer the same unit they were in the time of Alexander the Great. Under normal circumstances they served as a small, close royal bodyguard and military police and in the battles, if they actually took part in them, they were most probably officers of other units or the closest companions to the king. But if a Macedonian king could become rich enough, he could make a proper unit of them! In the Macedonian homeland only few families reached such wealth, and newly conquered land is needed to raise new men to this high status.
https://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1200/hypaspistaimacedonuw4.jpg
We know that Hypaspists were chosen from the richest citizens of the kingdom thanks to one of the inscriptions from Macedonia. We find the clause that informs us that those who serve as hypaspistai have to be of special status in terms of their possessions.
The blue color used for the shield of the Hypaspistai is derived from that at the center left in this image:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/hagiosathanasiossoliderud6.jpg
The shield's central motif is a winged thunderbolt.
They wear an iron cuirass in the form of linothorax, covered with purple cloth, like this iron cuirass with gold detail from the 4th century BC Tomb of Philip of Macedon at Vergina now displayed at the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/111armuredephilip.jpg
Their helmet is in the Phrygian style with cheek pieces, painted blue and gold:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos2/PIC_0579.jpg
A similar helmet is also seen here in a colorized image of Alexander's sarcophagus now in Istanbul. (Note that ancient Greek statues were painted):
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/persianhorseman.jpg
They wear highly decorated greaves like these gilded Thracian greaves from the tomb at Vratsa:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/treasure-vratsa.jpg
https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8870/thureophoroimainnn2.jpg
Thureophoroi
The Thureophoroi are a more recent addition to the Macedonian battle line -– a cross between a heavy peltast and light phalangite, they are a mobile, adaptable unit that hurls javelins and then closes to fight with their stout spears. Well armored and trained, these are excellent warriors who provide protection to the flanks of the phalanx.
https://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5671/thureophoroimacedonkw3.jpg
The Thureophoroi get their name from their shield, the thureos.
The armor similar to that seen in this image:
https://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9353/pic1348ux7.jpg
https://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8691/basilikonpeltastairoyalzn5.jpg
Royal Peltasts
A unit of the Royal Guard (Basilikon) armed in the peltast manner, these men are elite light infantry who combine a devastating javelin attack with skillful swordplay. They are well armored and, as veterans, they can scatter opposing light troops and even assault the flanks of heavy infantry formations. Tough, mobile, and disciplined, they are one of the best units available to Macedon. These are the men that will, in time, become the Agema phalangites.
https://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8017/basilikonpeltastaijj1.jpg
The armor of the Royal Peltasts is a composite cuirass -- partly plate and partly scale, it resembles a linothorax with scale reinforcements on the belly, similar to this is interpretation of Alexander's armor from the famous mosaic in Pompeii:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/hoplita-grecki-vii-v-w-p_465.jpg
Their helmet is a tinned Attico-Thracian, like this one found in the Corfu museum:
https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1318/atticothrachelmpo1.jpg
Their shield resembles this reconstruction of a shield found in Dion, Olympus:
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/hele_macedon_royal.jpg
Their greaves are similar to these found in the Thracian tomb "Golyamata Kosmatka", situated in the vicinity of the Shipka pass in the Balkan mountains, in the district of the town of Kazanluk (central Bulgaria):
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o276/keravnos/Keravnos3/helmetandgreavesfoundinThraceKroain.jpg
For more info on the archaeological dig that discovered these greaves, look here:
http://www.kroraina.com/thracia/gk/
https://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6138/psiloimaintp7.jpg
Psiloi
Psiloi are the lightly-armored missile troops that fight with the Macedonian army. Their ranks include peltasts, archers, slingers, and skirmishers -- all important additions to any self-respecting force! Used wisely they will prove their worth.
Peltasts
https://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5627/peltastszc8.jpg
https://img352.imageshack.us/img352/6647/greekpeltastmacedonag8.jpg
The Peltasts are a valuable force of armored skirmishers combining the mobility and firepower of the akonistai with better armor and the ability to fight hand-to-hand against lightly armored opponents.
Archers
https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7913/archerspj9.jpg
Hellenic Archers have their place in Macedonian armies, but they are somewhat rare. While they are more disciplined than Eastern archers, their bows lack the range and power of the composite bow.
Slingers
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9033/slingersao1.jpg
Hellenic Slingers are good missile troops, but woefully unprepared for hand-to-hand combat. Use them to soften up the enemy, but do not leave them exposed!
Skirmishers
https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7726/skirmdt0.jpg
Light javelin troops armed in the Hellenic style, these men are undisciplined but valuable –- used properly their hail of javelins can have great impact. Just keep them out of melee, or they will quickly break, rout, and die!