Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Playable Nations – Roman Empire

Sid Meier's Civilization was THE definitive strategy computer game when it was introduced in 1994. The game has since been regarded as "the first real turn-based strategy" game, with the latest PC playable version of Civilization being "Civilization IV", launched in October 2005. The game has thousands of fans, but even though 3 years have passed, the game is still very playable and enjoyable today.

With the victory options 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)) having been covered previously also, we are continuing a review of players' civilization choice. Each nation has its unique strengths and this article is about Rome.

The Romans have the Praetorian as its unique unit (replacing Swordsman). The advantage of this unit is pretty serious. Although the +10% city attack is dropped, the Paetorian is considerably more powerful than the Swordsman (8 vs 6), requiring the same resource (Iron) and technology (Iron Working). It practically replaces the Maceman (just without the +50% bonus with melee units, but that’s not so critical), requiring just over half of shields to train. Given this, discovering Iron Working has to be top priority when playing the Roman Empire.

The starting technologies for the Romans are Fishing and Mining. Although Sailing can be achieved immediately, it is advisable to concentrate on Bronze Working – Iron Working line to have the Praetorians as soon as possible. Masonry should be researched early as well.

The civilization has only 1 leader – Julius Caesar.

Caesar is defined as “Expansive” and “Organized”

“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.

“Organized” means you have to pay less for your civics – making the usually expansive Police State, Vassalage, Environmentalism and Organized Religion less painful. It also enables you to construct the “Courthouse” and “Lighthouse” at double speed, making the discovery of Sailing and Code of Laws logical. The latter is generally more important as the first to discover founds “Confucianism” religion. Courthouses will also lead you to the Forbidden Palace – reducing the corruption in your empire.

As it was said before, although Sailing is available right away, it is not a priority – Bronze and Iron Working are more important. However, don’t neglect Sailing too long, as it leads to Compass – which give you the Harbor building. On the other hand, Civil Service and Machinery (providing Maceman) are not too important, as the Praetorian is powerful enough.