Hoplites vs Hypaspists =?

[Ludens]

I dunno ever look at the Late Parthain Cataphracts helments/armor with the ones they use.

The helmet is similar, but other than this the TAB is simply a maxed-out thorakitai. The helmet was actually adapted so that the model could be used for the Dosidataskeli and their Goidelic equivalents. The original model had a legionary-like helmet with a chainmail veil.

I understand why some people call them foot cataphract, but this has given others the idea that TABs were somehow inspired by cataphracts rather than being an independent development.

[Fluvius Camillus]

They become available following the Seleucid cataphract reform, but they aren't "foot cataphracts". I get a bit annoyed by that term because it gives the wrong impression. Their tactical role is unrelated to shock-cavalry, nor was their development inspired by that of cataphracts. The only thing they have in common is that they are superheavy versions of their respective unit type.

My bad Ludens!

I forgot a comma, that gave quite the opposite of what I meant! I meant: "No, you need the Cataphract....

Thanks for pointing that out.

I know they were not foot cataphracts, but in EB slang Catank means a cataphract that is so heavily armoured that they seem near indestructible (for non-AP units). The TABs (also formely know as Thorikatai Argyraspidai) are near indestructible but are not cavalry, hence some call them foot cataphracts.

And I knew the model issue, they are actually the historical version of the RTW Silver shield legionairre, right?

~Fluvius

[Poulp']

On a sidenote, didn't they benefit from the technology developped/ improved in the making of cataphracts armor ?

[Ludens]

And I knew the model issue, they are actually the historical version of the RTW Silver shield legionairre, right?

Yes, the unit was originally called Thorakitai Argyraspidas (forgive any spelling errors). The matter is a bit more complex, though, as the SS legionary was based on the description by Polybios of the Daphne parade, which mentions 5000 silver shields armed "in the Roman fashion", but EB's TABs represent a far more select group of royal guards.

On a sidenote, didn't they benefit from the technology developped/ improved in the making of cataphracts armor ?

Like I wrote: apart from the helmet it is simply a padded-out thorakitai, so I don't think so. But who knows? AFAIK the unit's equipment is speculative anyway. We know very little of Seleucid elites and their equipment.

[Duguntz]

...the SS legionary...

Time lapsus... 1940... maybe i am just being silly, but eh, i have eyes for insignifient details...

[Poulp']

talking about details, wouldn't it be "insignificant" ?

I'm sounding like a grammar nazi...

[Zradha Pahlavan]

NKVD falxman beats SS legionary.

[Duguntz]

talking about details, wouldn't it be "insignificant" ?

I'm sounding like a grammar nazi...

My bad, I write often too fast!

[Kikaz]

I think the old TAB's were pretty cool-looking in their own right, is it possible to replace the model?

[Ibrahim]

I think the old TAB's were pretty cool-looking in their own right, is it possible to replace the model?

well, if you hook up EB to Alex, you can do this. (afterall, you have to keep the model for the dosidataskeli and their irish varient)

[satalexton]

I love you Ibrahim! I'm using ALEX!