Large units... of the same type?

Dear All
Played my first game and found it very enjoyable... though my army list now needs a bit of a rethink...
I would appreciate an interpretation of the following which is from the Athenian list:

'Units of hoplites of the same type may form large units...'
'Up to two units with generals may be upgraded to elite...the cost is 28...'
'A further two units of hoplites may then be upgraded to elite...the cost is 28'

My questions:
If large units have to be formed of the same type then the cost of a large elite unit is 56 points...with no reduction for the rear unit...?
Or does it mean that as long as they are hoplites, you can stick an elite unit in the front rank and a standard in the rear for 17 points...?
I appreciate that if I pay for two elite units I can field them as a large or as two small for 56 pts either way but can that second rank be a standard unit...?
Is that a simple no...?
Cheers
Mike

Rear unit can be standard

I think Grancius is correct but it is interesting that the list doesn't explicity say that it is for the front unit. Most lists do (compare with the Spartan list where the upgrade is explicitly for single or front units of a large unit.)

Thanks - it was the explicit mention that worried me. The same appears in other rules either way that the rear unit can be standard or elite...
If it's a standard that suits me - my opponent, on the other hand, may not be so happy...!

I take it that a unit of the same type means, for example, Athenian Hoplites and Allied Hoplites would be two different types but are both still hoplites and cannot be used together to form a large unit. Citizen and Allied troops were not normally integrated into the same unit. That is the reasoning in listing them on separate lines in the Army List. It's a way of upgrading a unit and gives you the option to make the unit a large unit with the front rank as the better quality troops or as a single unit with better troops.

That make sense?

Dennis

I does make sense.
I'll give the new look army a go soon, hopefully.
Thanks.

You are most welcome. Glad to help. I have the Greeks as well and they are a great army. One of my favourite periods.

Dennis