Discussion: the most cost-effective unit?

[TruePraetorian]

I'll say it again (it again ) Armoured hoplites are my number one choice for cost effective.

City besieged? Hold the gates or streets with a single unit forever

Assaulting? Move them through the streets like a lawnmower

Open-field? Beats cav....beats infantry...beats missile...it's a toughy
and
cost effective? Get that city up a few in population and you'll be makin foreign dough in no time at all.

But really, they are an impressive unit...match them up 1v1 and I think it says it all for combat, as for price once you have a decent momentum going with empire building these things are like treads to a bulldozer.

[Good Ship Chuckle]

I might have to go with eastern/egypt/carthage peasants. They are the spartans of the peasants, but still have the same cost. They have 3 attack and 3 defense. .

This is excellent when considering that 'civilized' peasants are simple 1 def and 1 attack, and barbarian peasants have 1 attack 4 def, but same cost.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I think the militia hoplites are the most cost effective unit ..
More then once I have conquered about half of the known world with them

[placenik]

Definitely HA. Upkeep of only 110, and you destroy ~100 infantry or ~50 cavalery per turn without loses.

[gaiusmarius8]

Levy Pikemen save my ass when I play Macedon.