Those must have been some high chevron bastards. Usually Spartans can take a decent amount down.

Just to scare you: the Thorakitai Argyrasipidai aren't the best armoured infantry in the game. The Vasci Assault infantry are, according to descriptions, they gave the Seleucids and Parthians the inspiration and technology to make tank men.

I've always wondered. What exactly is the melee defense value? Is it Dfense skill + k*(Armour Value) + k*(Shield)?