Faction : Western Roman Empire

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Since the death of Constantine the Great in 337 AD, the Roman Empire has effectively been divided into two unequal halves and is at least nominally Christian. Other men have tried to rule everything, but their efforts have foundered. Julian the Apostate, the last man to try, spent much of his energy in trying to make the Roman people pagan once again. In this he failed. Now the Western Empire is the weaker part of the Roman world.

Western Europe has never been as rich as the eastern end of the Mediterranean; Imperial taxes and population have been dropping, and the upkeep of the army is increasingly difficult. Over the last hundred years, barbarians have been allowed to settle in Roman provinces. Barbarians have been allowed to fill the ranks of the Roman Army, and now the Western Empire is vulnerable.

A strong Emperor could hold the frontiers against the barbarians from the north and east. A strong Emperor could even reunite the Empire and rule the world from Rome, but this would take a very strong man to carry the title of Augustus. Historically, the Roman Empire in the West disappeared in 476. Romulus Augustulus, the last Emperor, was so irrelevant that he was merely deposed and allowed to live out his days in retirement. Rome was ruled by a succession of barbarian kings, while learning was kept alive in the West only through the Roman Catholic Church.

Units

Plumbartarii

Plumbatarii are Roman legionaries who have been armed with iron darts. They can hurl these with deadly effect and yet still fight hand-to-hand with enemy units. Plumbatae are lead-weighted iron darts around 60cm in length that are carried clipped to the back of a legionary's shield. Each is carefully constructed so that the lead weight on the shaft makes the dart arc and fall with the sharp end down at the end of its flight. The Plumbatarii carry a substantial number of darts to rain down on enemies (there is debate as to whether these were thrown overarm or with an underarm action). They are also armed and armored in the usual fashion of Roman soldiers and quite capable of fighting in the battle line, as well. This makes them a valuable and flexible unit for any infantry commander.

Limitanei

Limitanei are the frontier or garrison troops of the late Roman Empire. It is their task to watch the borders and slow down enemy forces so that stronger, mobile armies can be deployed. The Limitanei owe their existence to the military reforms of Constantine the Great. He divided the army into two types of troops: frontier garrisons, who were to slow down attackers, and a mobile field army to meet and defeat the enemy. He was criticised for this, as the limitanei -- the soldiers on the "limes" (pronounced LEE-mays) or frontier posts -- were supposedly second-class. Over time, however, the Limitanei settled down at their posts and became soldier-settlers, rather than purely garrison troops, with families and farms. Although a militia of sorts and treated as second class by the mobile comitatenses, the limitanei are fairly well equipped and have good chainmail, helmets, spears and large shields when they fight.

Comitatenses

Comitatenses are the mobile field forces of the late Roman Empire. It is their task to meet enemies in the field, not to be garrisons on the frontier. The comitatenses also owe their existence to the military reforms of Constantine the Great. He divided the army into two types of troops: the other half of the system were the limitanei, or frontier troops. Originally, the comitatenses were regarded as an elite force personally associated with the Emperor, but the needs of Imperial defence soon meant that they were detached as regional field armies across the Roman world. Enemies would be allowed to penetrate the limes while being delayed by the limitanei, and then be destroyed in detail by the comitatenses. Commanded by "comites" (the origin of the French aristocratic title "Comte" and therefore "Count"), these were well equipped and professional soldiers, even if not quite the equals of Caesar's legions. The Comitatenses First Cohort are the elite of their kind and are entrusted with a legionary standard.

Foederati Infantry

Foederati Infantry are barbarian spearmen in Roman service, commanded by Roman officers. The combination of hardy barbarians with a little Roman discipline makes them effective fighters. The Foederati were originally raised to deal with the problem of too few Romans being willing to serve in the armies of the Empire. Often Germans when the units were first raised, the Foederati were usually promised lands within Roman territory in exchange for their services to the Empire. As Imperial authority weakened, barbarians were able to move into Roman provinces, often under pressure from other tribes who were in turn being forced westwards and southwards by the encroaching steppe peoples. As Foederati Infantry, these barbarian warriors are the equivalent of the auxiliaries of earlier centuries. They are not heavily armored infantry, but they can be relied upon to give a good account of themselves in battle.

Auxilia Palatina

The Auxulia Palatina are heavy infantrymen, armed and equipped much as other late Roman soldiers. Their status as palace guards makes them something of an elite within the field armies of Rome. The auxilia are not the same as the troops of the same name from before the military reforms of Constantine the Great and Diocletian. The Praetorian Guard was eventually disbanded, thanks to its habit of regularly murdering Emperors, and new forces were created to guard the palaces and persons of the royal family. The "Auxilia of the Palatine Hill" is made up of well trained provincial Romans, with about one in five being non-Roman "barbarians." While they are a "court guard," they are also a practical force that is expected to go on campaign, not stand around looking good in over-polished armor. They can be relied on to fight hard, in most circumstances.

Bucellarii

Bucellarii are fighting men who are not employed directly by the Roman state but are paid retainers directly employed by some military commanders. The state has little to do with their training or equipment, but they are useful force to have under command. Rich men in the Roman world have always needed protection, but the custom of keeping armed retainers has grown within the Empire. Merchants employed men as caravan guards, but the habit spread to include generals, praefects and even (before they were dissolved) Praetorian leaders. When they are placed at the service of the state, the "informal" military status of the bucellarii is conveniently ignored. Among some bucellarii, there were two classes of retainers (particularly in the Greek-speaking part of the Empire): the "doryphoroi" or spear-carriers as an officer class, and the "hypaspistai" or shield-bearers as the rank-and-file. These titles did not reflect their weaponry or tactics. Bucellarii are usually armed to a high standard and skilled with both missile and hand-to-hand weapons. As might be expected of such professionals, they are capable soldiers.

Foederati Cavalry

Foederati Cavalry were barbarian horsemen in Roman service, under the command of Roman officers, making them effective light cavalry. Now, with their service over, they have turned mercenary, selling their skills to any who can pay. Before the army reforms of Diocletian and Constantine the Great, minorities were included in the Roman army as units of auxilia. After their reforms, the same practice continued, but under the designation of foederati. With increasing numbers of barbarians within the Roman borders thanks to tribal migrations, whole units were incorporated into the army as "allies" under treaty (or "foedus") to Rome. The foederati were therefore non-Romans who had agreed to fight for Rome, usually in return for the right to settle in Roman lands, a promise that was not always honored by Rome. The Roman army has always been an infantry-heavy force, so the inclusion of barbarian cavalry within its ranks is a useful tactical addition. These men are relatively light cavalry and valuable for scouting, screening and pursuit tasks.

Archers

Centuries of warfare have taught the Roman army the value of archers. These men wear no armor as they are not expected to fight in melee. While archers from the eastern parts of the Empire are equipped with composite bows, those raised in Western areas are armed with the simpler self bow, carved from a single piece of wood. While the self bow is not as powerful as a compound bow, it does have one major advantage over the Eastern weapon: it is not useless in the damp conditions of western and northern Europe. Bowstrings will always stretch and become useless when wet, but a compound bow will actually fall to pieces as the glue used to make it weakens as the damp gets in. A self bow has nothing to "go wrong" when it gets damp, and need only be dried out to be as good as new, an important consideration for any Western Roman soldier. Even so, these archers are a supporting arm to other troops and are not expected to stand and fight. They wear no armor, so that they can move swiftly in battle.

Sarmatian Auxilia

Sarmatian Auxilia are armored horsemen recruited to serve in the Roman army. They are superior horsemen and provide much-needed shock cavalry for Roman commanders. Given the skills and savage determination that Sarmatians show in battle, it is unsurprising to find them used in Roman forces. They may be provided with Roman officers, but these men are often not quite tough enough to keep up with the Sarmatians they are supposed to be leading. Sarmatian Auxilia fight in their traditional style and are equipped in a Roman "interpretation" of their native armor. Historically, Sarmatians were sent to many parts of the Empire, as their reputation alone was useful for quelling intimidating enemies, both foreign and domestic. A large contingent, for example, were dispatched to Britannia before the province was left to fend for itself in 410 AD. Many of the Sarmatians appear to have stayed on.

Scholae Palatinae

The Scholae Palatinae are the emperor's palace guards, a cavalry elite within the Roman army. The military reforms carried out by Constantine the Great included formalizing the comitatenses (field army) and limitanei (border troops), both types developed from the old legions. The Praetorian Guards, however, did not survive the reforms. They had become a threat to every Emperor with their constant conspiracies and loyalty only to themselves. As a result, the defenses of the palaces were put in the hands of a new guard, one that was much more closely monitored for political -- as well as military -- reliability. The result is the scholae palatinae, a well trained, well equipped and undoubtedly elite force of Roman cavalry, something of a change for an army previously best known for its infantrymen.

Imperial German Bodyguard

The Imperial German Bodyguard are a foreign elite within the Western Roman army. They are well armed, well trained and brutally effective. The "germani custodes corporis" are loyal to the ruling family because they must be; their continued survival depends upon it, as barbarian foreigners they have few, if any, friends in the Roman army or political establishment. They can be trusted by the Imperial family because of this one fact. If the Emperor dies, then they would soon be put to death by the Roman mob. As a result, the bodyguards are unlikely to turn against their masters. In this, they are the exact opposite of the old, disbanded Praetorians who had a nasty tendency to involve themselves in imperial politics and the imperial succession, usually at the point of a sword and often for money.

Equitas Sagittarii

Equites Sagittarii are the armored horse archers of the Western Roman Empire and cavalry that are quite capable of fighting hand-to-hand when they must. With enemies on all Rome's frontiers who favor the use of horse archers, it was only a matter of time before both halves of the Empire started using horse archers. The equites sagittarii were units that entered service to address this need; they were, however, also trained to fight as medium cavalry, using swords in hand-to-hand combat. In the West these troops were (historically) limited in numbers, possibly because the climate did not suit the compound bows that horse archers need to be truly effective. Dampness is something that western and northern Europe has in abundance. The gradual collapse of the Empire's supply system to its armies probably didn't help matters either. As warriors, however, the equites sagittarii are an effective, if expensive, force.

Peasants

Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does produce strong, obedient men. They are armed only with whatever weapons can be spared. Life as a peasant has always been hard within the Empire. But over the last few generations, the poor have had the worst deal of all. The markets seem to have failed them; money has lost much of its worth, and even the comforting gods of crops and fields have been taken from them by the State. Added to this are new laws that tie them to the land so that they can be taxed "properly." Still, a life of drudgery does give a man strength, although being impressed into the army means a life of drudgery dotted with moments of pure terror. Peasants can fight when they must, but they are reluctant soldiers. It will be obvious to any general that they would be happier with shovels in their hands rather than spears.

Priests

Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat. Christianity is a new faith spreading from the East throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, but it is still very much in its infancy. It has, however, already split up into sects and competing dogmas. These priests support the doctrine that the Pope in Rome is the supreme authority on matters of faith, something that is hotly disputed by the Patriarchs of the East and the followers of Arius. Despite such divisions, there is much that is appealing to ordinary soldiers in the promise of personal salvation and a place in the afterlife, and priests are now an established part of many armies. Even Julian the Apostate, the last Emperor of the unified Roman world, could not halt the spread of Christianity. Although they profess a pacifistic religion, the followers of Christ have had to adopt a more muscular attitude to warfare, particularly against pagans. A doctrine of "just war" has started to emerge from the Church's more advanced scholars, but this does not extend to priests themselves getting involved in combat except in self defense. These men are expected to encourage, not set an example.

Praeventores

Praeventores are spies and agents sent out beyond Rome's frontiers to watch and, when necessary, attack Rome's enemies. They fight as an irregular force, specializing in ambushes and nasty surprises. Rome has long used spies to keep an eye on petty warlords along its frontiers. Praeventores are chosen men given the authority to deal with problems before they fully ripen. On the battlefield, they are employed as scouts, spies and as military assassins, falling on unsuspecting enemies from any promising ambush spot. They are usually given the best of weapons, but little armor, as this would hinder them in moving quietly. Praeventores are not men who fight fair, ever.

Carriage Ballistae

Carriage Ballistae are small artillery pieces carried on the back of carts into battle. They can be moved relatively quickly to a crisis point to put down heavy missile fire on enemy troops, then moved back out of trouble if necessary. Like other ballistae, these fire bolts that can easily pass right through a man. While they might look like oversized crossbows, the working principles are different. The two arms of each ballista are threaded through ropes made from animal sinew. When these sinews are twisted into ropes, they act as springs, so pulling back the arms works against the sinew, producing the energy needed to fling a large bolt towards the target. Care has to be taken to make sure the sinew ropes are equally tensioned. Otherwise the ballista breaks, injuring anyone standing nearby. Mounting a ballista on a cart is merely an improvement in mobility for the weapon. Vegitius wrote about the use of carriage ballistae in his classic treatise on Roman warfare, seeing them as a valuable asset for any army commander.

Repeating Ballistae

Repeating ballistae are ingenious hand-cranked artillery weapons. As long as they are kept supplied with bolts and the crew keep working, they will send out a stream of deadly missiles. Although a ballista might look like an oversized crossbow, its working principles are quite different. When these are pulled back energy is stored in the sinew, and used to throw a bolt when the firing catch is released. In this much, the repeating ballista resembles its larger cousin. However, an extra refinement has been added to the repeating ballista. A hand crank links to a chain drive that drags back the "string" and locks it in place for each shot. As the weapon is fully tensioned, a top-feed magazine feeds a bolt into the launching groove, and the firing catch is released. The weapon fires and, providing the operator simply keeps on working the crank, the whole operation repeats. As long as extra crewmen are available to take over when the operator tires and to refill the bolt magazine, the weapon can put out a withering fire. Although the weapon isn't very accurate, it can be devastating against massed ranks of men. The repeating ballista was originally a Roman innovation, but other nations have been clever and cunning enough to copy it.

Ballistae

These are easily capable of passing straight through a target and skewering another man, too. When a ballista is cocked, there is a huge amount of energy (literally) tied into the sinew ropes, and this is used to fire the bolt. Care has to be taken by the crew to make sure the two springs are equally tensioned, otherwise the ballista itself will snap, probably killing anyone standing nearby. The strength given by the sinew is also the ballista's most important weakness: the sinews do not hold their tension if they get wet, so a ballista will not work to full effect in any kind of damp or wet weather. Over the centuries, the technology of the ballista has "leaked" from civilized peoples like the Romans and Greeks to other, more barbarous folk, much to the discomfort of Roman soldiers.

Scorpion

The Roman scorpion is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like a large bow laid sideways on a frame. It has a tremendous range and can skewer a man with a single shot. Providing care is taken to make sure that the two sinew bundles are under the same tension, the scorpion is a very accurate weapon, but because sinew is sensitive to damp, a scorpion may not work properly in wet weather.

Onagers

Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defenses. They are, however, rather slow-moving and difficult to target accurately. They are named after the wild ass of the same name, a beast reputed to be stubborn, dangerous and with a tremendous kick. All three qualities can be true of the weapon as well. Each onager is powered by a thick, twisted rope of animal sinew; a single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded, the catch is released and the arm flies forward, flinging the rock payload at the enemy as it slaps into a crossbar. The tremendous energy of the release, however, makes the whole machine judder and kick, hence the name. They can be used to target slow-moving units, but they are particularly effective when suppressing enemy artillery or when used against fortifications and buildings. These weapons were, at one time, only used by so-called civilized armies. Over the years, many people have learned to make and use these highly effective artillery pieces.

Heavy Onagers

Heavy Onagers are huge artillery weapons that fling devastating boulders and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defenses. They need a large crew and are vulnerable to swift-moving enemies. These weapons are best used in siege warfare, where their battering power can bring down the strongest walls over time. They can also be used to batter holes in enemy formations. Against close-packed ranks of troops, their fire is particularly deadly. A single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded with either a mighty rock or a firepot, the catch is released and the arm flies forwards flinging the payload enormous distances. They do, however, need a relatively large crew to operate at full effectiveness, as there is much physical labor involved in just cocking the mechanism before a shot.


Buildings

Government Buildings

Governor's House

The governor's house is the center for all administrative functions in a settlement. This is the power of the Roman state made real for the people who live here. The administrator based here collects taxes, issues instructions to improve the settlement and manages the small day-to-day business of an empire. While not exactly luxurious, the governor's house is usually the best building in the settlement. Competition for an invitation to dinner is often fierce, and the locals also try to build their own houses close by so that some Roman prestige rubs off on them.

Governor's Villa

The governor's villa is the place where important decisions are made, and it gives the locals a taste of Roman grandeur. It also serves as a training ground in basic politics and the uses of power. The villa is also a sign that Roman influence is permanent and secure. The villa allows development in a settlement to begin in earnest, as it marks the town as a place where investments are worthwhile. Improvements to existing structures and new building projects are now possible.

Governor's Palace

A Governor's Palace is a deliberately impressive symbol of Roman political might and authority. Its grandeur shows the locals the benefits of Roman rule and the futility of rebellion. Because it is a major center of government, diplomats receive training here too. The Palace allows further development to continue in the settlement around it, as the town becomes a place that attracts wealth and influence. The finer things in life -- such as entertainment and education -- become available as a result. Improvements to existing structures and new, advanced building projects can now be carried out.

Pro-Consul Palace

A Pro-Consul's Palace is unmissable as a symbol of Roman authority. The building's size and luxury are intended to impress everyone in a city. The bureaucrats based here collect taxes, manage improvements to the city and efficiently carry out all the business of empire. A Pro-Consul's Palace allows advanced development, as the most costly building projects can be undertaken. All aspects of life within the city can be improved: religious, military and economic.

Imperial Palace

An Imperial Palace is the ultimate expression‎ in marble and stone of Roman authority. The building's imposing size and ultimate luxury are intended to impress everyone in a city. Those who live beneath its walls can have no doubt as to where power lies, while those inside control every aspect of the city. This Palace even has its own military elite, quite separate from the army. An Imperial Palace allows the most advanced construction in a city, allowing magnificent buildings to be built.

Barracks

Barracks

Barracks provide the basics for training a local force for defenSe. They can be upgraded as the city grows to produce better troops. Barracks are often not exactly clean, but then they don't have to be - the men aren't here for a rest cure, but to be toughened up and to learn enough drill to be useful in defending Rome's territory.

Militia Barracks

Militia barracks have better facilities to train and house semi-regular soldiery. They can be improved as the town, its population and wealth grow. Being citizens-at-arms, militia have chosen to defend their homes and loved ones, but they may not be as "professional" as full time soldiers. Their barracks are clean, but lack creature comforts -- these men are here to learn the skills of war and defend Rome, not enjoy themselves.

Legion Barracks

A legion barracks is a major structure in any town, allowing many troops to be trained. Before the reforms of Marius, the troops trained here are citizen-warriors -- men who have a real stake in defending the community. After Marius' changes, the soldiers are hardened professionals. All barracks for the Roman Legions are built to an efficient standardized ground plan: no matter where in the world a Legionary is sent to enforce Roman peace, he will always know his way around and where he is expected to be, at all times.

Army Barracks

These imposing barracks are often the largest buildings in a city after the palace, and include extensive drill and training yards. No matter where they are built within the Empire, the design is standardized, helping to make the army efficient. Discipline is harsh, but the resulting Legionaries are the best regular soldiers in the world.

Urban Barracks

Urban barracks are extremely large and well-appointed, as might be expected of Rome's most important military facilities. They include extensive drill and training facilities, the very best that can be provided. The barracks themselves are deliberately imposing, to show the world the true might of Rome. The soldiers live relatively well, although discipline is hard. As a result, the elite trained here are expected to be the finest, bravest soldiers that Rome sends into battle.

Stables

Stables

This is the basic building required for training all cavalry units. Stables can be improved as the settlement grows, so that a wider range of cavalry types -- that require different types of horse -- can be trained. Horses are far too valuable to be used for farming (oxen, donkeys and slaves are used instead) and are bred for war, not work. Just about every horse-using nation is highly stratified, as horses are expensive to rear and keep. Having the skills to ride one is a mark of belonging to the aristocracy. After the reforms of Marius, Rome gave its cavalry forces a much more professional basis.

Cavalry Stables

Cavalry stables produce the superior horses that are needed to train horsemen for more advanced kinds of units. The stables include training yards where superior horsemanship can be taught and the horses schooled to face the noise and terror of battle (something that does not come naturally to them). This building can be upgraded further when the settlement grows.

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome is a place where horse and chariot races are staged. The expertise this requires can be transferred to the military. Horses and men are looked after in considerable luxury -- at least, compared to where infantry are expected to live. Farriers and specialized armorers are also found here, allowing many types of cavalry to be trained.

Circus Maximus

The circus is a prestige building, used to stage highly popular races. The skills needed to handle horses here are used to train elite cavalry units to defend the Empire. It is, however, the races that make this building popular, as these are fast, dramatic and dangerous. Individual teams attract fanatical followings, and race days can provoke powerful loyalties in the plebian mob. Deaths among the crowd are not unknown, as rival supporters fight after close-run races -- and those where there has been a lot of cheating.


Ranges

Practice Range

A practice range is the space needed to muster and train light troops. The arts of skirmishing and missile are not the same as fighting in a battle line. Space is needed to train troops to do this effectively. The most famous of these fields is probably the Campus Martia -- the Field of Mars -- in the eternal city of Rome itself.

Archery Range

Archery is a skill that takes time and patience to perfect: the strength to use a bow well is only acquired through long hours of practice. Most recruits know how to use a bow while hunting, but this is different from using a bow in battle. An archery range gives the space for bowmen to practice group tactics. The same clear firing field also helps when military engineers make larger missile weapons.

Catapult Range

It is always better to attack an enemy from a distance, for then he cannot always strike back. A catapult range lets artillerists, archers and javelinmen fire away to their hearts' content during training -- and all without the risk of killing too many innocent bystanders. The engineers needed to build large artillery weapons are nearby, and they can assist in the training of crews.

Siege Engineer

A siege engineer designs and builds the largest artillery weapons. Useful during siege operations, artillery can also be used to break up large formations in field battles. Their construction requires skilled work and an understanding of many engineering principles. In addition to making the weapons, a siege engineer also makes sure that the crew knows enough to be a danger to the enemy and not themselves. There is also a practice range, allowing other missile-armed troops to be trained here.

Traders

Market

As a settlement grows, the returns on trade improve too, as long as merchants are encouraged to do business. A proper market allows locals to trade and brings in outside traders too. It's a place for people to meet, buy and sell, and catch up on gossip. Many goods are available, including information -- at the right price. Trade can, of course, be taxed. It can also be improved when this building is upgraded.

Forum

Trade flourishes where it is encouraged. The forum is a meeting place as much as a trading centre, and almost anything can be bought here, when the price is right. In the hustle and bustle of this busy market, anything and everything is for sale, even a man's secrets -- or his sudden removal.

Great Forum

If it can't be bought or sold somewhere among the traders in the great forum, then "it" probably isn't worth bothering about, whatever it might be. This is the great centre of all business in a city, a place where goods from across the known world can be found. Anything -- even a man's loyalty, his secrets or his death -- can be bought when the price is right.

Curia

A curia is the commercial hub of a province, a place where the great and the good meet. Trade flourishes when the merchant and ruling classes mingle. Anything and everything is available to a man with gold in his purse. The merchants control all trade within a region, bringing in riches and exotic goods in the process. They supply luxuries to guarantee the goodwill of the political class; if trade is taxed (to the hilt, if need be), that is just the cost of doing business.

Smiths

Blacksmith

A blacksmith provides superior quality weaponry for any warriors from this settlement. His skills in metal working are exceptional, far beyond those of ordinary smiths who make agricultural implements. He is an important man in the community, as good weapons are always valued by the men who have to use them. A Blacksmith who can make a strong sword that won't break or bend in combat is a great asset to his people.

Armorer

An armorer works closely with a smith and produces fine armor to match the smith's weaponry. His work is highly valued by military men; well-made armor can often mean the difference between life and death. When his skills are added to those of a blacksmith in producing weapons, the armorer ensures that any troops trained in this settlement will be equipped to a high standard.

Foundry

A foundry is the final metalworking development found only in the larger cities: a factory where very high quality armor and weaponry can be produced quickly, and in quantity. Any troops trained in this city will be equipped to the highest standard possible, making them formidable in combat -- Providing, of course, that they are well motivated and properly commanded

 

Ports

Port

A port brings trade and wealth to a settlement and allows the construction of simple ships. Access to the sea is vital for all long distance trade. The sea lanes are the true highways of the world, and carrying goods by ship is the only way to move them in bulk and make a profit. Indeed, it is usually cheaper and quicker to send a cargo halfway across the world by sea than to the next settlement in a cart. Militarily, ports are important because they have the men and equipment needed to build a fleet.

Shipwright

A shipwright can build the warships needed for a strong fleet, while the improved port facilities allow more goods to be landed at and forwarded from the settlement. As a port grows, wealth flows into a province, and all manner of goods become available to the people. Militarily, the improvements in ship-building usually lead to better ship-handling and tactics.

Dockyard

A dockyard has the equipment and skilled craftsmen needed to construct the largest and most advanced warships afloat, while the port can speedily handle many merchant vessels. The city's merchants can easily send their cargoes to almost any port in the world, adding greatly to the wealth of the city. In return, exotic goods from all over the world pass through the docks. The dockyard can produce any warship required by the fleet, and they provide the crews of slave rowers required by these large and powerful ships.

Sewers

Public Baths

Public baths are often among the most magnificent of public buildings and include cunning heating systems and many slaves to look after the needs of the citizens. They play an important role in public life in the Roman world. They are a sign of "Roman-ness," that the town is part of the larger Empire. Baths are not only a place to get clean, but also a place where a man can socialize with his colleagues, argue about politics and religion -- and catch up on the local juicy gossip.

Aqueduct

The aqueduct supplies fresh, clean water to the city throughout the year. Apart from that used for drinking and washing, there is usually more than enough left over for public fountains and gardens as well, even after illegal diverting of the public water supply has been taken into account.

City Plumbing

Adequate supplies of fresh water ensure that the people can be clean, their clothing washed, and their houses kept clean. Simple facilities like this can improve health hugely. The more "enterprising" citizens are not above making their own "modifications" to the system and piping extra water into their homes.

Farms

Land Clearance

An improvement on slash-and-burn farming around a settlement, land clearances allow a surplus of food and encourage population growth. Subsistence farming, where people can only just feed themselves and their families, does not free people to do anything more than scrabble for a living. However, if agriculture improves even marginally, there will be growth in a settlement. This kind of farming can be upgraded as the settlement grows.

Communal Farming

Once slash-and-burn agriculture has worn out the land, one response is for farming communities to organize, and work collectively. Communal farming produces a surplus through minor economies of scale; tools and resources are pooled, and everyone works as a team to gather the harvest. Individual failures are minimized by these methods, and the increased output adds to population growth.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation and basic land management stop farms from becoming rapidly exhausted. By changing field usage every year and allowing land to lie fallow or be used as pasture, the goodness of the land is slowly restored. Crop yields and surpluses improve as a result, and the increased output adds to population growth. Using slaves to supplement the peasant farmers also helps production.

Irrigation

Diverting rivers and using waterwheels to raise water to fields is labor intensive, but the payoffs can be spectacular. In some parts of the world, it's even possible to gather more than one harvest a year when irrigation is used. Overall, extensive irrigation systems improve all farm production, creating even larger surpluses that can be sent to support a growing urban population.

Great Estate

The need to grow even more food leads to increases in the size and efficiency of farms. Great estates are put together by legally confiscating land from peasant farmers and then legally tying the farmers to the land anyway. Worked by virtual slaves, they produce huge surpluses and are very profitable to the owners. Everyone (except the dispossessed peasants and the slaves) does very well out of the estate system.

Academies

Academy

The Academy is a training school where leaders can acquire the basic skills of government before they assume the weighty responsibilities of command. Teaching ranges from the purely philosophical to the practical skills of waging war and producing good governance. Towns with an Academy will tend to be well run because of the pool of educated men that is produced.

Scriptorium

A Scriptorium holds many laboriously copied books, and the learning to be gained here can improve the skills of present and future leaders alike. Built upon the solid educational foundations of an Academy, this place brings together many teachers and thinkers who, through cogent argument and disputation, impart knowledge to all those willing to listen and learn. A city with a Scriptorium will tend to be efficiently governed because of the educated men that are drawn here.

Ludus Magna

The "Ludus Magna" or Great School attracts wise teachers, keen to pass on their learning to all potential leaders who know that greatness is found in the mind as well as the sword-arm. This kind of education is only found in the largest cities and represents the very finest training for a ruling elite. Individuals trained here will gain a solid understanding of all human wisdom, including the arts of war, statesmanship and good government. A great city with a Ludus Magna will tend to be superbly run because of the talented and educated men that can always be found here.


Amphitheatres

Arena

This provincial arena allows small-scale Games to be staged for the entertainment and satisfaction of all true Romans. The Games are part of what makes Romans properly "Roman," even though many Christians object to the Games. The Arena also bolsters Romans' happiness to know that they are a superior people; when even the condemned die with courage, can a true Roman do any less in the face of death? An Arena can be upgraded as the settlement grows in size and importance.

Amphitheatre

This rather grand amphitheatre allows Games that reflect the glory of Rome. Weak-kneed foreigners may faint, but the home crowd knows how to appreciate the Games. So what if some spoiled rich boy wants to impress everyone? Let him. Let the Games commence. The disapproving Christian spoilsports still manage to turn up and watch, of course, just to make sure they are right in their disapproval.

Coliseum

This magnificent setting allows the staging of great Games. Gladiators willingly face death, knowing that their courage will be celebrated by a knowledgeable and appreciative crowd. There are Christians, of course, who disapprove of the whole business, but this is a magnificent public building for all Romans to enjoy as equals. No expense is spared in collecting savage and rare beasts from all over the world for a performance. There's always an excuse to put on some kind of show too: games to influence local elections, mark victories, or to show respect to a great man.

Religious Buildings

Shrine to Sol Invictus

This shrine is dedicated to Sol Invictus, the Unconquerable Sun, whose travels across the sky each day illuminate men's lives. An unquenchable power, everything that happens beneath his fiery course is visible, and nothing escapes his gaze. His pre-eminent position in the sky makes him an obvious leader figure, and his birthday on December 25 is a major celebration by his worshippers. The shrine makes his followers happy that their deity is being properly honored. This shrine can be improved as the settlement grows to become a temple, a luxury temple and ultimately an awesome temple of Sol Invictus.

Shrine to Mithras

This shrine to Mithras celebrates one of the mystery cults from the East that a large part of the Roman army adopted. The cult of Invincible Mithras is one of strength, and it emphasizes ordeals to advance through the levels as new mysteries are revealed and explained. Mithraism does not allow the worship of other gods, so this shrine makes its adherents loyal to the cult. It can be improved so support a growing settlement to become a temple, a luxury temple and ultimately an awesome temple of Mithras.

Christian Shrine

This Christian shrine provides a spiritual centre for the settlement, a place where people can gather to learn of the teachings of Jesus. Originally a pacifistic religion of the dispossessed and slaves within the Roman world, Christianity received official sanction when Constantine made it the state religion. The council of Nicaea in 325 helped establish church dogma and therefore unite Christians under one banner. The shrine brings order to life in the settlement and can be improved as the place grows to a chapel, church, cathedral and ultimately a Christian Basilica.

Hermitage

A hermitage is a place known to be the home of a religiously inspired individual. This person may have retreated from the world and its temptations to be nearer to God, but the world has not necessarily retreated from them. The presence of a hermit encourages other Christians by example. The idea of being a hermit only really dates back to Anthony of Egypt, who sold all that he owned, went to live with nearby anchorites, but eventually lived alone in the desert for nearly 20 years. A hermitage can be replaced by other structures as the settlement grows in size.

Monastery

A monastery is a community as much as a building, a group of anchorites who have retreated from the world and its temptations in an attempt to find God's peace. They live simply, earning a deliberately meager living by hard work and in giving away any excess funds beyond their needs, as well as performing other charitable acts. They spend their remaining hours in contemplation and learning, trying to purify their souls. The monastic tradition of Christianity began in Egypt, where the desert provided perfect solitude. A monastery can be upgraded.

Abbey

An abbey is a large, almost self-sufficient community of souls who have chosen a life of contemplation and solitude so that they can study the teachings of the Church. They are a centre of Christian learning and an inspiration to the secular locals. The temptations of the flesh are put to one side, hard work and privation are emphasized, and religious disputation can become quite heated. The anchorites -- men and women are equally welcome -- keep only a little of what they earn, enough to maintain themselves and the buildings, and they charitably give the rest of their money away

 

 

[Hero_Style]

이까짓꺼 해석하는데 포기(응?)

[TheKing]

훗... 이까짓꺼... 통역기에 돌려버려 =ㅂ=

[신격카이사르]

수능공부하는 거야...(..)....

[지지]

Plumbatarii는 (철)투창으로 무장한 로마군 유닛이다. 그들은 이 치명적인 무기를 던지고 적 유닛과 근접전을 벌인다. Plumbatae는 약 60cm정도 되는 lead-weighted 철제 투창으로 군단병용 방패의 뒷부분에 끼워서 장비한다. 각각은 정교하게 만들어져서 자루 위의 lead weight가 투창이 타원을 그리며 날카로운 끝부분이

[지지]

먼저 떨어지도록 만든다. Plumbatarii는 적에게 대량의 투창을 퍼붓는다.(어깨 위로 던지는지 아래로 던지는 지는 논쟁의 여지가 있다.) 그들은 다른 로마 병사들과 같은 형태의 무장을 하고도 전선에서 매우 잘 싸웠다. 이것이 그들을 보병 지휘관들에게 유용하고 융통성이 있는 유닛으로 만들었다. (쓰기 권한이 없네요.)

[지지]

Limitanei는 후기 로마 제국의 국경이나 요새에 주둔하는 부대다. 그들의 임무는 국경을 경비하고 적 부대를 지연시키는 것이었기 때문에 보다 강하고 기동성이 있는 군단이 배치될 수 있었다. 이들은 Constantine 대제가 조직했는데, 그는 군을 두가지 형태, 공격군을 지연시키는 국경 주둔군(frontier garrison)과 적을

[지지]

찾아 격퇴하는 야전 기동군(mobile field army)으로 나누었다. --; 쩝. 글쓰기 권한이 없으니 꼬리말에 붙여쓰는 것도 일이군요. 에잉~