Elite heavy cavalry drawn from officers' orphans. Equipped with heavy armour, shield, lance and a sword.
Formed by Emperor Alexius at the end of the 11th century, the Archontopoulai, 'sons of generals', are cavalry drawn from officers' orphans. Well trained and disciplined these elite cavalry are capable of deadly charges against enemy formations. As befitting their elite status, these soldiers are protected by good quality heavy armour and fight with a lance and sword.