Rome

Bread & Circuses: +1 food in all provinces
Roman Legions: +1 recruitment slot in all your provinces

Description

Romans have much to be proud about, for their Republic is more than mere words. The Senate and the People of Rome both have a stake in Rome’s successes. And Rome is an engine for greatness and conquest.

The man who conquers for Rome wins the respect of his countrymen and power in Rome, which are the only things that really matter to a Roman. Every part of the Roman state is geared towards this drive for greatness and glory: personal success is measured by successful service to the Republic. In serving the Republic’s needs and his own, a Roman brings more of the world under Rome’s control. The rest of the world, then, is there for Romans to conquer and win glory and power at home in so doing.

All this makes the Romans tremendously resilient against setbacks. A failure in war is the fault of the individual, not of Rome. A Roman army can be beaten , but under new commanders another army will triumph.

Historically, Romans have fought and triumphed against the odds. As well as beating Gallic invaders from across the Alps in 390-387BC, the Romans waged war against the Etruscans, the Samnites and Greeks in a series of wars that gave the city-state control of the whole Italian peninsular. Rome now faces some of these same forces to the north and east.

To the south stand the Carthaginians, the masters of the Mediterranean, and a trading empire with considerable military power. The Carthaginians are more than rivals for Rome. One power or the other will control the Mediterranean. For a true Roman, that can only mean one outcome…

House of Cornelia

The Cornelii clan is among the most illustrious of Roman families: more become consuls, generals and statesmen than from any other family. Among them, the Scipios and the Sullas are especially notable. Sulla Felix, the famous dictator, was a member of this family.
  • Disdain for Plebs: Public order penalty (minimum of -4) from presence of Latin culture
  • Philhellenes: Moderate diplomatic bonus with all Hellenic factions (cultural affinity)
  • Administrators: +3% tax rate

Other Houses

The Senate is the most important day-to-day political body of the Roman Republic. Composed of the most notable and experienced politicians, its main role is to direct domestic, foreign and military policy. The name senate comes from the Latin 'senex', literally meaning 'old men' - technically making it a 'Council of Elders'.

House of Julia

Originally from Alba Longa, the Julii clan are an ancient patrician family, with a tradition of attaining high office dating back centuries. The most famous of the clan was Gaius Julius Caesar, who became life-long dictator.
  • Cultural Oppressors: +25% public order penalties due to presence of foreign cultures
  • Romanisation: +4 to cultural conversion
  • Barbarian Subduers: +10% morale during battles against barbarian tribes

House of Junia

Perhaps blessed by the goddess Juno, for whom the month of June is named, the Junii are one of the most respectable families in Rome. This reputation rests on the labours of Lucius Junius Brutus, who drove out the last Roman king, Tarquinius Superbus.
  • Political Underdogs: Moderate diplomatic penalty with all factions (cultural aversion)
  • Founding Fathers: Public order bonus (maximum of +4) from presence of Latin culture
  • Agrarian Wisdom: +10% wealth from agricultural buildings
Starting Region(s)
Roma Neapolis Cosentia Brundisium
Specialist Units