One of the units in many Civ2 scenarios is called an Ascaris. Although I'm fairly knowlegeable in middle eastern history, I have never heard of this. It seems like it was used by the Turks and Egyptians during the middle ages. Does anyone have any information on whether this unit actually existed?

"Ascaris" (Ashker), meaning servant or slave, is the Italian word for the Eritrean soldiers they used in their campaign to colonize Ethiopia.
The name was also used for slave soldiers (eg Swahili) in colonial armies elsewhere in Africa.

Originally posted by Ribannah
"Ascaris" (Ashker), meaning servant or slave, is the Italian word for the Eritrean soldiers they used in their campaign to colonize Ethiopia.
The name was also used for slave soldiers (eg Swahili) in colonial armies elsewhere in Africa.
Then why are they being used by Seljuk turks in crusader scenarios?