(I know that the chances of getting Meroe in there are pretty close to nil, but it is an excuse to do some research.)

I know y'all must have already seen this but I want to file it in this thread:

Strabo's Georgraphy:

When [the Ethiopians] desired three days for consideration, and did nothing which they were bound to do, Petronius attacked and compelled them to fight. They soon fled, being badly commanded, and badly armed; for they carried large shields made of raw hides, and hatchets for defensive weapons; some, however, had pikes, and others swords...

The Ethiopians use bows of wood four cubits long, and hardened in the fire.
That's four units.

That piece was writen from a Roman perspective. You should also remember that this was in the middle of a long, slow decline for Meroe, which was at the height of its power in the 3rd and 2nd centuries, BC. At the start of the game, Meroe may have been able to field more units.