No, it's the RTR changes. In RTR cavalry is designed for one thing and one thing only: charging. Once they charge, they have to be withdrawn quickly or they will be slaughtered... they don't have the stats for melee with infantry. Top it off with the fact that it's difficult for a cavalry unit to get up enough speed for a charge in a city and the anti-cavalry bonus that spear units get, and you're asking for a dead general. Not that it makes a difference in this battle as far as I can see. I've played it three times now and never gotten close to a victory. econ21 is a very good player and if anyone can pull it off, he can... but this one has me beat.