Praetorian (Civ4)

The Praetorian is the unique unit of the Roman civilization.
== Strategy ==
Compared to the Swordsman it replaces, the Praetorian has 2 more strength points, but costs 5 more hammers to build, and it also loses its 10% bonus against cities.
Originally, when Civilization IV first came out, the Praetorian needed only 40 hammers, but this was changed to 45 hammers in the v1.52 patch.http://civilization4.filefront.com/file/Civilization_4_152_Patch_Digital_Distribution%3B53794
=== Using Praetorians ===
Along with War Elephants, Praetorians are the most powerful unit of the Classical Era, and can be obtained much earlier than them. They actually usually beat unpromoted Axemen, and using the Shock promotion, this gives them the upper hand against all non-unique Classical units.
The main issue with Praetorians is their dependence on Iron. Research Iron Working quickly to know the whereabouts of Iron. Building a city on a source of Iron and reinforcing it with various units will prevent pillagers from cutting off your Iron supply.
As the Romans begin the game with knowledge of Mining, often it is wisest to beeline straight to Iron Working through Bronze Working to begin pumping out Praetorians.
=== Against Praetorians ===
Co-ordinating an attack on the Romans with other nations will stretch their efforts thin. You can try to take out their Iron supplies using fast units - at this stage in the game, there aren't very thorough road networks and mounted units can generally pillage without too much retaliation.
Prevention is better than cure if you suspect the Romans are going to go a very aggressive route very early on in the game. If you can quickly build a Settler and an Archer and claim Iron sources near the Romans before they can, they'll be stuck with weaker units.
Promoted Axemen are the best bet against Praetorians in direct combat. By sending a few Shock-promoted Axemen, you can delay the Praetorians or force them into Shock promotions, meaning your Archer-defended cities will be a little safer.
== Civilopedia entry ==
== References ==
== See also ==
* Praetorian in other games
Category:Roman