The 1980 classic that invented the tech tree: build an ancient civilization through trade, culture, and smart expansion.
Vibe's take
epic, diplomatic, cerebral, historical sweep, multi-hour investment
Who it's for
History buffs and negotiation lovers who can commit 4-6 hours to building an empire from scratch.
Not for you if…
You need a game under 2 hours. This is a full-day commitment, and it earns every minute.
The granddaddy of civilization-building games, first published in 1980. Guide your ancient people from 8000 BC through the rise of Rome, expanding across the Eastern Mediterranean through agriculture, trade, and technological advancement. Crucially, this is not a wargame: military conquest alone will not win. Instead, balancing economic growth, cultural development, and political maneuvering across a technology tree (the first ever in a board game) is what separates great empires from forgotten ones. Trading sessions are epic multi-player negotiations that can reshape the entire board.
Players
Duration
360 min
Ages 12+
Complexity
3.6 / 5 — HeavyBGG Rating
7.0/10
Rank #525
7.7k ratings
Published
1980
Language
Some text
Designed by
Francis Tresham
Published by
Descartes Editeur, Joc Internacional, Compendium Games, Spiel & Kunst, The Avalon Hill Game Co, ACE Pelit Oy, Welt der Spiele, Piatnik, Hartland Trefoil Ltd., Gibsons
Sounds like your kind of game?
The 1980 classic that invented the tech tree: build an ancient civilization through trade, culture, and smart expansion.
Amazon.com →/pic798666.jpg)
/pic487045.jpg)
/pic2663291.jpg)
/pic1351042.jpg)