Vikings vs. Spartans: The 20 Most Powerful Elite Military Units

These soldiers were trained for combat from the moment they were born. Discipline, endurance, and maintaining formation made Spartan hoplites a nightmare in close combat. The only thing more terrifying than fighting one Spartan was fighting two.

They rushed into battle with such terrifying fervor that they nearly turned the ancient battlefields upside down. Combine rage with fearlessness and heavy weapons, and you get a formidable warrior. Their ferocity echoed to the four corners of the world.

The personal bodyguards of the Roman emperors were selected only if they were exceptional. The best of the best that Rome had to offer served as imperial protectors. Good luck if you try to stand up to someone powerful enough to make them angry.

They were called the “Immortals” because there always seemed to be 10,000 of them. Whenever a soldier fell, another would simply take his place. No matter how many Immortals you killed in battle, there were always more.

These fierce Japanese warriors were governed by a strict code. Honor, discipline, and combat skill made the samurai some of the greatest warriors in history. Don’t think their swords are their only threat.

The Assyrians formed one of the first professional armies, combining strict discipline with sophisticated weapons, siege techniques, and organized logistics. They expanded their empire through coordinated campaigns that emphasized speed, intimidation, and total control of the battlefield. Their military system revolutionized the way ancient states waged war and influenced armies for centuries.

Their combination of mobility and archery skills made Mongol mounted archers devastating in battle. They could wreak havoc from a distance, then flee without being detected. Try catching something as fast as the wind with a blade.

The Sherden swordsmen were a group of feared warriors from the Bronze Age, likely originating from the Mediterranean, recognizable by their horned helmets, round shields, and heavy swords. They emerged in the eastern Mediterranean during the collapse of the Late Bronze Age, fighting major powers such as Egypt and the Hittites, and later serving as elite guards for the Egyptian pharaohs. Their mobility, aggressive fighting style, and involvement in numerous conflicts made them one of the most iconic and mysterious forces of their time.

These secret agents embodied the law of the jungle. Discreet and cunning, the Krypteia intimidated and eliminated any resistance. If they were sent after you, your days were numbered.

The Janissaries were one of the first modern infantry units in Europe to be armed with rifles. Their rigorous training and strong unit cohesion overwhelmed the feudal militias. Empires trembled when they marched.

The Sacred Band was an elite force made up of pairs who fought each other. Their determination and ferocity in battle were legendary. You’ll have to break both their shields and their spirit.

The Varangian Guard served as the personal bodyguards of the Byzantine emperors. They were renowned for their loyalty and brute strength. Some said that these Vikings had axes large enough to fell a horse.

Legionnaires who have served for many years become veterans. Experienced and battle-hardened, veterans were cunning and level-headed in combat. You can, of course, ambush new recruits, but don’t expect to do the same with veterans.

Aztec warriors formed an elite military order whose mission was to capture enemies alive. Used for ritual sacrifices, these warriors were unparalleled in their brutality. They kept parts of their victims’ bodies as trophies after their conquests.

An elitist Ismaili order originating in the medieval Islamic world, renowned for its one-on-one combat, discretion, and targeted assassinations, often operating alone or in very small groups. It has become legendary for its personal discipline, fearlessness, and psychological warfare.

Don’t let these women fool you. Just as skilled with the axe and shield as any warrior, these Nordic women warriors were formidable in battle. Let’s just say you’d never see them coming until it was too late.

The Knights Templar were warrior monks of the highest order. Fighting in the name of their religion, these men protected the Crusades with skill and heavy armor. They were precise, focused, and highly effective when it came to defeating their enemies.

Veteran soldiers of the fearsome Macedonian phalanx, armed with sarissas. Moving in unison, these men turned battlefields into wastelands. It was best not to find yourself facing them in battle.

The Spartans were not afraid to show who the royalty was. They were the personal guards who protected the Spartan kings during military campaigns and religious processions. Only the best of the best were chosen to become royal guards.

Speed, surprise, and psychological warfare were the strengths of this group of Vikings. They struck hard and fast, without warning, then retreated before the enemy had time to catch its breath. The sound of their oars meant that it was probably already over.