Byzantine: Theodora
Unique Unit 1: Cataphract (replaces Horseman); 75
,
15 
,
3 
, N/A
Tech: Horseback Riding
Resource: Horses
Upgrades to: Knight
Notes: Can move after attacking,
Penalty attacking cities (25%),
[Can have terrain defensive bonuses]
Comments: The Cataphract is basically the earliest Knight-style unit you will ever come across. It has -1
compared to the Horseman which it replaces, but it also has +3
. One more important thing to note is that it has only a 25% penalty when attacking cities vs. the Horseman's 33%, making horsemen rushes a bit more practical. Still, it is limited by its requirement for strategic resources. To offset this disadvantage, the Cataphract can use the terrain to its advantage and gain defensive bonuses, unlike the Horseman. Because of this, I would recommend using this unit as either a defensive unit at your capital, or on offensive unit that rides with the rest of the army out on the frontlines. Since it has a smaller combat penalty vs. cities, you can take out an enemy settlement early on fairly easily as long as you have a siege unit to back you up. Charge these units across the battlefield and no unprepared foe will be able to stop you!
Rating: 7/10
- - -
Unique Unit 2: Dromon (replaces Trireme);
56 ,
8 , 4
,
10 strength,
2 range
Tech: Sailing
Resource: N/A
Upgrades to: Galleass
Notes:
May not melee attack, Cannot enter deep ocean,
Bonus vs. naval
Comments: The Dromon has got to be one of the most game-changing and useful early naval units in Gods & Kings. Although it requires +11
to make and has -2
compared to the Trireme which it replaces, it is the first ever ranged naval unit that can be used until Galleasses are unlocked in the Medieval age. This is a huge bonus, and I cannot stress it enough. Not only is its ranged attack decently powerful, but it is actually 50% more powerful against naval units. This means that any enemy navy you come across in the Ancient and Classical eras will have a tough time trying to board your ship when your own units are launching Greek Fire (an early predecessor to napalm) at them from a distance. I would recommend using this unit in ship-to-ship combat or against enemy cities. This is where the Dromon really shines compared to its competitors. Since it is the only ranged naval unit for quite some time, you will be able to take out coastal cities much easier and more efficiently than other civilizations with Triremes or even Quinqueremes would have trouble doing. As long as you escort an embarked unit with the Dromons (as the Dromons themselves cannot melee attack), city capturing will be a breeze. Also, since it is a ranged unit, you can upgrade these to Galleasses instead of Caravels, which, in the long run, is far more useful. This ship is truly a marvel at sea.
Rating: 10/10
)
), but 10/10 might not be high enough for the dromon. 
and popping island ruins.
