The Illyric faction group is located along the Adriatic Sea in the eastern parts of the map, more specifically the regions of Iapygia, Venetia and Histria.
Overview[ | ]
The Illyric factions use a brigade roster that combines elements of the Gallic and Greek faction groups, being able to field both Hoplites and Skirmishers, as well as Swordsmen in the late game. Their melee brigades are very pronounced in their offensive stat balance, often sacrificing defense for higher melee damage when compared to the equivalent units of other faction groups. The Illyrians can support their great variety of infantry options with flexible and powerful peltasts and mounted javelineers.
| “ | The Illyrics combine the swift, offensive power of the Gallic swordsmen with the classical hoplite tactics of their native Illyria. | „ |
| ~ In-game Description |
Factions[ | ]
Units[ | ]
| Army | Navy | Civilian |
|---|---|---|
| *Skirmishers | * Small Transport Ships | * Workers |
| *Spearmen | * Large Transport Ship | * Slaves |
| *Slingers | * Light Warship | * Colonists |
| *Peltasts [1] | * Heavy Warship | * Scouts |
| *Hoplites | * Raiding Ship | * Cavalry Scouts |
| *Heavy Hoplites [2] | * Scout Ship | |
| *Light Swordsmen | * Hostages | |
| *Heavy Swordsmen [3] | * Baggage Train | |
| *Mounted Javelineers | ||
| *General |
- ↑ First Companion Brigade
- ↑ Second Companion Brigade
- ↑ Final Companion Brigade
History[ | ]
Most of the Illyric factions in-game were not historically Illyric proper. The Veneti and quite possibly the Histri as well were likely originally more closely related to the Sabellics and Latins, but did receive cultural influence from the Illyrians and, later, the Gauls. The Messapii, Peuceti and Dauni (collectively known as the Iapygians) were also distinct, but may have been close cousins of the Illyrians who migrated across the Adriatic Sea in the early 1st Millennium BC. The Veneti and Iapygians were presumably given the Illyric roster since not enough specific details are known to draft unique faction groups for them.
Notable sword designs of the Illyrians included the curved sica, which features on the in-game model of Illyric Skirmishers.
Archaeological evidence reveals that the Illyrians imported weapons, armour and tactics from the Greeks, and wealthier Illyrian warriors may have fought in a manner similar to hoplites. In addition, the Illyrians were renowned for their skill at guerilla warfare and piracy, explaining the inclusion of peltasts and more offensive melee options alongside the defensive hoplites.
Exact details about their army compositions are lacking, and the amount of Greek tactics and equipment used may have varied depending on the tribe's economic prosperity and proximity to the Greek world.
Very little is known about Illyric cavalry, in which they were probably lacking. As a result, the developers saw fit to only give them mounted javelineers as a basic cavalry support option.