Mastering Civilization IV – Playing as the Persian Empire in Civ IV - Player's Guide to Choosing their Nation in Civ IV

An superb game, Sid Meier's Civilization has been known as the first real turn-based strategy game ever.

Several upgrades have since been done throughout the years - and the latest PC playable version of Civilization is called "Civilization IV". The game was launched in October 2005, and has many fans around the world. Even though 3 years is an eternity for a computer game, Civ IV a very playable and enjoyable game till this day.

With the victory options already described in a previous article, and most the pre-game selections (choosing the map, the climate and sea level, game speed and world size, Difficulty Levels (A,B)) also covered, we are continuing a review of players' civilization choice. The next nation to come under scrutiny is Persia.

The Persian nation in Civilisation IV has the Immortal as its unique unit (replacing the Chariot). The unit requires the same resources (Horses) and technology (the Wheel) as the chariot, but has more chances to withdraw from combat (30% vs 20%). More importantly, Immortal has +50% strength with archery units – becoming a serious threat to enemy cities (at the early stages of the game). Researching The Wheel and connecting the Horses resource should be given a priority to take advantage of this unit.

The starting technologies for the Persians are Agriculture and Hunting. This enables Archery and Animal Husbandry straight away and Pottery requiring only The Wheel (that provides Immortals) as a preface – giving you access to a Granary building.

The civilization has only 1 leader – Cyrus.

Cyrus is defined as “Expansive” and “Creative”

“Expansive” means you construct Granary and Harbor at double speed. This enables quick population growth and prevents health problems – especially since you also receive a +2 health per city. Discover Pottery and Compass to take advantage of those buildings.

Being “Creative” means you have +2 culture in each city per turn. This will lead to your territory (defined by “Cultural borders”) growing rapidly and can save you building obelisks in your cities. With several wonders built you might even consider a cultural victory (though it is very hard to achieve). Theatres are built at double speed, giving you even more culture, and Coliseums (also double speed) will make people happier in your growing empire. Discover construction (a valuable technology in any case) as soon as possible, and acquire Drama when you can. The Globe Theater is very achievable as well - giving you a city with no unhappy people.