 The "Agema" was recruited from the Medes and their neighbours, although after the Parthian conquest of Media they were probably recruited from Macedonian settlers.The "Hetairoi" would escort the king into battle or both the "Hetairoi" and "Agema" would escort the king under direct command.Amongst these units were the various grades of 'Kings Friends' or "Basilikoi Philoi", who made up other elite cavalry units similar to the Companions.