a few more words in defense on urban milita: (1) they are an excellent 'early-game' unit - i use them even to kill royal bodyguards (in forests); (2) they are excellent in the desert; even militia sergeants tire out fast in the heat whereas militia can go on forever. by the mid-day of the battle they are able to kill almokhad militia and byzantine infantry with ease; (3) their upkeep (30) makes them one of the most economic units to form the bulk of your early armies; compare this to the upkeep of spears (52)...