Constantinopolis

Run a trading house in Justinian's Constantinopolis, filling contracts and expanding your trade district.

Designer: Giancarlo Fioretti
Published by: Edge Entertainment
Editions by: Fantasy Flight Games, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Stratelibri, Homo Ludens

It is the sixth century and Emperor Justinian rules the East Roman Empire. Constantinopolis, sitting on the Marmara coast at the mouth of the Bosporus, is one of the greatest harbors of its time, and you are an ambitious merchant out to become the most successful entrepreneur in town. You compete for renown by fulfilling delivery contracts and expanding your own trade district, with prices that swing and auctions to decide who gets what. A 2010 economic game for two to five that rewards planning over a ninety-minute evening and gives you a tidy picture of ancient trade.

Byzantine harbor in the sixth centuryDelivery contracts and a growing trade districtAuctions and commodity price swings

Who it's for

You like euro-style trading games with auctions and a historical setting, and you enjoy planning contracts ahead.

Not for you if…

You want conflict, drama or a lot of luck. This is a quiet game of margins and bidding.

Vibe's take

A calm, calculating commerce game. You bid for opportunities, watch prices and time your deliveries so that your district grows faster than the others.