Etruscan Axemen

Summary
Axemen are an early-game light infantry unit available to the Etruscan faction group. They are a flexible unit capable of both mele combat as well as short-range missile support.

"The axe was not as commonly used as the sword or spear, but has found some use among the Etruscans as both a melee and throwing weapon, giving them a unit capable of ranged and melee combat."

- In-game Description

History
Few details of Etruscan warfare are known, with most of our knowledge coming from inferences based on circumstantial archaeological evidence, such as surviving pieces of weapons and armour or depictions of soldiers in murals or sculptures found in Etruscan tombs. Remains of axes have been found somewhat frequently, suggesting that the Etruscans made greater use of this weapon than other peoples in the area, although no details as to their exact usage and tactical role are known.

Tactics
Axemen are the only Etruscan brigade capable of missile attacks in the very early game (albeit with a short range), until cities have grown to the point where a target range can be constructed which then grants access to Etruscan Archers. Axemen are also capable light infantry of a similar quality to the various early-game Spearmen and Skirmisher brigades, though with a more offensive stat balance like Skirmishers. The main drawback of the otherwise very flexible Axemen is their small brigade size and relatively high recruits per unit for a light infantry brigade.

They are very useful in the earlier stages of the game for missile support and as offensive infantry for flanking purposes to complement your battlelines of Spearmen and Hoplites, though they can eventually be replaced in these roles by Archers and Swordsmen respectively.