Faction Preview: The Ptolemaic Kingdom
Overview:
Egypt is an exotic and beautiful land that can rightfully claim to be one of the greatest and most ancient civilizations in the world. Originally conquered by Alexander the Great, it now lies under the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty. This dynsty, which would come to survive for close to three centuries, was founded in 305 BC by Ptolemy I Soter, who declared himself Pharaoh of Egypt and created a powerful Hellenistic dynasty that ruled an area stretching from southern Syria to Cyrene and south to Nubia. Alexandria became the capital city and a center of Macedonian culture and trade. To gain recognition by the native Egyptian populace, they named themselves the successors to the Pharaohs. The later Ptolemies took on Egyptian traditions by marrying their siblings, had themselves portrayed on public monuments in Egyptian style and dress, and participated in Egyptian religious life.
Thoughout its history, the Ptolemaic Kingdom wrestled with its neighbours for control of land and wealth. Principal amongst these was the Seleucid Empire, another fragment of Alexander's conquests. This rivalry would eventually culminate in the Syrian Wars, a series of conflicts which would stretch over a century. In the end, this period of strife conspired to weaken both Empires and eventually brought about their mutual destruction at the hands of the Romans and the Parthians.
At the onset of the year 272 BC, the Ptolemaic Kingdom rules over all of Egypt as well as lands in Asia Minor. The wars with the Seleucids are still in their infancy, and both states are in a position of great power. If Ptolemy II, the King of Egypt, wishes to grow his empire and one day establish dominion over all of the eastern Mediterranean there is no choice; the clash of these eastern titans is inevitable, and the Seleucids must be crushed.
Units:
Unlike the overhaul of the Bosporan Kingdom, this focuses on changing the visual appearance of the Ptolemaic Kingdom's units and not adding new ones. The reason for this is that the faction received a large number of new units with the 0.6 release, and because of this it doesn't need more. There are two exceptions to this, however. In order to further distinguish it from its arch nemesis The Seleucid Empire, the Ptolemaic Kingdom is no longer able to field White Shield and Bronze Shield pikemen. In their place are two new pike units: Katoikoi Pikemen and Kleruchoi Agema Pikemen. So without further redo, here are pictures of the new and some of the overhauled Ptolemaic units.
New Units:
Overhauled Units:
Awsome units, they are like art really.
Well done.
Looking good.