-Republic of Rome
-Nabataean Kingdom
-The Hellenistic Kingdoms
-Confederacy of Sarmatia
-Antigonid Kingdom
-Ptolemaic Kingdom
-Seleucid Kingdom
-Republic of Carthage
-Kingdom of Parthia
-Kingdom of Pontus
-Gauls
-Germanic Tribes
-The Celtic Tribes
-Kingdom of Greater Armenia
-Getae Tribes
-The Hellenic City-States
-Kingdom of Numidia
-The Saka
-Iberian Tribes
-Illyrian Tribes
Faction Previews:
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Republic of Rome
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A new power has arisen in the Italian Peninsula: Roma. The Senate and People of Rome have united many of the Latin states under their rule through diplomacy and violence - Campania and Umbria are now theirs. But the Republic is far from safe...
Barbarians to the north threaten Rome. They loot and pillage Roman lands - it was scarcely a century ago that the Gauls sacked Rome. The powerful Greeks hold lands in the south, the same people who conquered most the known world under Alexander the Great just a few decades before the present. But do not forget Carthage far to the south; they currently are at peace with Rome, but in the future they could be a problem. Carthage is a rich, powerful empire, and it wishes to expand. Rome is no friend of Carthage - that Carthage and Rome are at peace now does not mean that things will remain this way. They might just stab you in the back, or you them...
But many of the Latin states still remain independent. North of Rome lies Etruria, and to the south Bruttium; these rich lands would be a great asset to Rome. Such small states pose no threat to Rome, but they have refused to join the republic through diplomacy. Perhaps war is the answer...
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Nabataean Kingdom
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The Nabataeans were a merchant nation, that relied not so much on their military as on the vast amounts of money they made. Incense was the backbone of their economy, although they traded in many items. Rome was addicted to incense. they burned it in thousands of temples, and in every home before their gods. One Roman General almost bankrupted the empire by burning huge amounts of it before a battle. Nero almost bankrupted the empire by burning so much of it at his wife's funeral pyre. It was also used in medicine. It was the equivalent of oil power today. And only the Nabataeans supplied it to Rome, and only twice a year. So whenever a Roman General attacked the Nabataeans, they paid him off. Soon it became very popular in Rome that generals wanted to be posted to the borders of Nabataea so they could "attack them" and get their share of the wealth. Nabataeans traded in everything that could make money, including drugs, prostitutes, gems, and selling knowledge. As a people they kept to themselves and did not intermarry, and were very secretive.
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The Hellenistic Kingdoms and The Hellenic City-States
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As the Greeks, your immediate concern will be the Macedonians, followed by the Romans. Expand northwards quickly, through the Macedonian lands, and you will surely be ready for the looming Roman armies. Otherwise, you could choose to settle on Asia Minor or even straight into the Middle East from your island holdings. Either way, your career as a Strategos is sure to be filled with combat.
You'll likely face a mixture of unit tactics. To the immediate north are armies that are similiar to your own, while to the west, across the sea, will be a more flexible fighting force - the legions. Battling these will require a different type of tactic. Of course, this means they will have to adapt, too. Once in Macedon, you will be face to face with the spectre of barbarian invasions. The Thracians are all masters of group combat. Your phalanxes will have to hold firm if you wish to stem the tide of ther advance.
To the south, across the Mediterranean, is Africa. Although distant from you in the beginning, it would prove wise to keep all options open...
The Greeks have a right to be proud. They are the fathers of democracy and reason, bringers of civilization and culture to the lands around the Mediterranean. There are few corners of the known world that have not felt the tread of a Greek army, or been graced by the magnificence of Greek architecture. The world is only the way it is because Greeks fought off the despots of Persia, and because Alexander led Greeks to the ends of the earth!
Now, however, the Greeks are reduced in power, and largely confined to their original homelands. A loose confederation of city-states and petty kingdoms, held together by a need for mutual protection, is what remains. But there could still be greatness within Greece. The same blood that once defied Xerxes still runs in the veins of Athenians, Thebans, Spartans and the rest. The men of Greece still value their independence and civilization, and could still take this back to every corner of the world.
Perhaps now is the time for the Greeks to be great again. Alexander’s heirs still fight amongst themselves for the spoils of his empire. The rising power of Rome has yet to break out of the confines of Italy – they face the Carthaginians as rivals. To the north, the semi-civilized Thracians and other barbarians are surely no threat to civilized men, and Greeks have never bowed the knee to Eastern despots! These are 'superfactions'. Superfactions work differently from typical factions in that they consist of a wide range of peoples with similar culture that operate under one banner.
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Hellenistic Kingdoms
Hellenic City-States
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Confederacy of Sarmatia
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The Sarmatians have surprised in the past and they are still able to surprise everyone! At first we have tp understand that the name ''Sarmatians '' was applied to a broad number of different tribes. Not much is said about these Sarmatian tribes and their military in the surviving ancient sources. But why were the Sarmatians so strong, you might ask? The answer to that is simple: Each state had an army, but among the nomads everyone was a warrior! And if you had no horse, you were no nomad.
The Sarmatian way of life was similar to that of the Scythians, but their culture and customs was very much different. For instance, they had other faiths and worshipped different deities than their Scythian neighbours. They certainly left their mark on history with their famous heavy cavalry, but the tribes could not have existed without the bow either!
The Sarmatians- a group of nomads, which conquered vast swaths of land. Those who later served in the Roman army were the most powerful cataphracts and those who started from their steppe possessions and invaded the West only disappeared as a distinct people on arrival of the Huns. But now are not these times, the 3rd century BC only witnesses the birth of their power. Now a small, but tough core of people is in your hands. They will follow you on a military campaign to the West, down to the Black Sea coast, or through the Caucasus, destroying all obstacles in their way. Or they might go down to the South or the East to alter history- everything lies in your hands now!
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Antigonid Kingdom
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After the death of Alexander the Great the empire he had created tottered and fell into disarray with remarkable speed. His empire was the largest ever seen, and the generals struggled against each other for the ultimate prize of being the new Alexander. Something that none of them was quite strong enough to attain. The Diadochi, or Successors, were only strong enough to hold together fragments of Alexander’s empire.
Macedonia was the original home of Alexander, now ruled by the descendants of general Antigonus Cyclops or Antigonus the One-Eyed. The Macedonians are the proud inheritors of Alexander’s original kingdom. Macedonia itself, with parts of Greece as dependencies, has the potential to be a strong power once more.
Although the empire may have slipped away from the Macedonians, they are still deadly warriors and fierce opponents. The Antigonid dynasty commands the respect of their people and has a strong military tradition. Macedonia has spent many long years struggling against the other Diadochi or ‘Successor’ states. This military might could equally be turned against other powers for domination of the eastern Mediterranean, Asia Minor and then, perhaps, the whole of the known world. A new Greek empire could arise and equal the achievements of Alexander...
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Ptolemaic Kingdom
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The Ptolemaic Empire is a good choice for a beginning player who wants a taste of eastern combat instead of the western Roman variety. You begin with extremely rich and fertile lands, and a good base income, along with a large, and flexible selection of troop types. An addition of R:TR is the inclusion of elephant units in the Ptolemaics' tech tree, and these do not go to waste. Your main adversary will be the Seleucids to the north, but once they're destroyed, Asia Minor opens up to your armies...
After the death of Alexander the Great, the empire he had created collapsed with remarkable speed. His empire was the largest ever seen, and the generals struggled against each other for the ultimate prize that none of them was quite strong enough to gain. The Diadochi, or Successors, were only strong enough to hold together fragments of Alexander’s empire.
Egypt was one part of that empire, and by anyone’s standards it is an ancient land. It is now ruled by Greek Pharaohs, the descendants of Ptolemy I, one of Alexander’s able generals. The Ptolemaic dynasty adjusted rapidly to Egyptian ways and adopted the royal ways of the Pharaohs - including divine status and marriage between the Pharaoh and his sister in each generation. All the succeeding Pharaohs have been called Ptolemy, and their sisters (more often than not) Cleopatra in the Egyptian fashion.
Egypt, therefore, is a rich land under the new Pharaohs and a centre of learning for the Greek world. The Ptolemaic Pharaohs hold together a formidable kingdom and must be seen as a major power in the Eastern Mediterranean. Their potential in warfare against the other successor states is also impressive, and an aggressive Pharaoh could well expand Egypt’s boundaries far beyond the Nile valley...
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Seleucid Kingdom
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The Seleucid Empire has a very flexible army: cavalry, infantry, phalangites, elephants - they have it all. Using all of these strengths to your advantage is the key to success.
You begin with a spread-out empire; your provinces reaching into Asia Minor, all the way to the lands of western India. Your greatest threat will be the Ptolemaics. Their ability to become rich quickly and produce large numbers of units may prove disasterous if left unchecked. If you could claim these lands for yourself, however...
The death of Alexander the Great brought dissolution to his empire almost before his corpse was cold. It may have been the largest empire the world had ever seen, but it proved fragile once the man himself was gone. His generals fought for control of what remained, but none of these Diadochi, or successors, was strong enough to be a new Alexander. The empire fragmented, and Seleucia was one of the splinter kingdoms, held together by the descendants of Seleucus, one of Alexander’s able lieutenants. Seleucus I came close to seizing the throne of Macedonia too, but was murdered before he could achieve this ambition. There have been tensions with Macedonia and Egypt ever since despite occasional marriages between the ruling houses of these states.
The Seleucids hold the former Babylonian provinces of Alexander’s empire, an area of ancient cities and rich farmlands along the Tigris. (As an historical aside, the later Seleucid capital city of Ctesiphon is now under a suburb of Baghdad in Iraq; the earlier capital, Seleucia, was on the other river bank.) This region also sits on the trade routes to the mysterious east, something that generates large revenues for the Seleucid kingdom. This, combined with the manpower and military expertise that are available, could make the Seleucids into masters of much of the known world. A Greco-Persian empire, combining the best of both systems as Seleucus tried to do, could be formidable indeed, and perhaps unstoppable.
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Republic of Carthage
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Don't let the Carthaginian empire's size fool you: with it comes a whole new set of difficulties. Carthage has recieved a handful of new provinces with R:TR, but now you must contend with the issues involved with a great intercontinental empire, such as corruption and shipping recruits across the sea.
You now have a foothold in the Iberian peninsula, and own many of the islands of the western Mediterranean. You have a potentially great city in Sicily, and on the mainland of Africa, you already own provinces of great size and fertility. Carthage, as a rule, is a faction of possibilities. You may choose to expand in Spain by recruiting native auxilia and mercenaries - owning the entirety of the Iberian peninsula would be a great feat indeed! But it will not be easy, as long as the Iberian and Gallic tribes have anything to say about it.
Or, alternatively, you may choose to contend directly with the burgeoning power of the Roman upstarts. These men are an expansive and militaristic civilisation, and their policy of ‘aggressive defence’ may cause them to make a preemptive strike on your Sicilian holdings. Your elephants will play a key role in all stages of the campaign.
Or, you may simply choose to consolidate your power in Africa proper, and push out the pesky Numidian nuisance. By abandoning your overseas empire and choosing this route, you will lose the rich gold and silver mines of Spain, and possibly leave yourself vulnerable to a Roman attack...
By tradition, Carthage was founded by Queen Dido, who had fled from the city of Tyre in Phoenicia after her husband was killed by her brother. Even in the days of legend there was a link with Rome, because Aeneas of Troy, the father to the Romans, was the lover of Dido and then abandoned her. In her grief she killed herself, cursing Aeneas and his descendants as she died.
Carthage - the name means ‘new town’ - continued to flourish, a Phoenician colony that outgrew and survived its parent land. The Phoenicians - and their successors the Carthaginians - must be credited with the invention of glass, the bireme galley and with being expert traders thanks to their superb navigational skills. Even before the Greeks reached the Western Mediterranean, Carthage was a superbly wealthy city, thanks to its mastery of the seas. Carthaginian colonies - colonies of the original Phoenician colony - now ring the sea (modern Barcelona is named after the famous Barca family). Carthage is a maritime power, with only a relatively small landowning class to provide military land power. This, however, does not matter as long as Carthage continues to be wealthy. Its coffers pay for mercenaries in abundance when the city needs to go to war.
And it is this wealth, mastery of trade and expansion along the Mediterranean coast towards Italy that brings Carthage into direct confrontation with the newly rising power of Rome. Now, perhaps, it is time for Dido’s curse to have its full effects on the children of Aeneas...
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Kingdom of Parthia
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As Parthia, you must choose your fights carefully. Throwing away armies needlessly is a sure path to defeat. In the early game you begin with low income, but can double this quickly by picking and choosing your battles.
You begin next to the Seleucid Empire, a rich and powerful kingdom that is sure to be one of your primary adversaries. Going to war with them early on may get you rich quick, but it may also destroy you in the long run. The Seleucids can afford to lose battles, as they have many provinces that go deep into Asia Minor, while you do not. Losing even one province to them may upset the balance in their favour and lose you any chance for a successful recovery. If you choose to expand through them you will also come into conflict with the Ptolemaic Empire, the masters of the Egyptians, sooner rather than later.
If you decide to ally with the Seleucids, you will be at a great advantage, but be wary of treachery. Armenia is only a step away, and beyond that, the equally small kingdom of Pontus. To the north, across the Black sea, are rumoured to be the Sarmatians, but they are a long trek away, and their provinces may prove not to be as rich and fertile as those closer to home...
The Parthians are a nomadic people who conquered and settled the area near the Caspian Sea in the 4th century BC as part of the Dahae confederation. Since that time the Parthians, under their Arsacid rulers (named after King Arsaces I), have fiercely maintained their independence. The Seleucids have, from time to time, claimed to be the overlords of Parthia and, from time to time, have actually been strong enough to try and enforce their claim. This is not something that endears the Seleucid Empire to the Parthian kings.
The Parthians have the potential to be a great power – perhaps a great empire – as they sit close to or astride the main trade routes from the east to the Mediterranean. The wealth of the world flows through these lands: a fortune that could pay for any army that an ambitious king could imagine. This wealth is there for the taking, for the people with the will to stretch out their hands and grasp it. Historically, the Parthians managed to become a great power, and fight off the advance of Rome into their heartlands.
To the north are the barbarian steppes, peopled by fierce tribes who require watching. To the west, though, lie the Seleucid Empire and the lands of Alexander’s successors. These too are ruled by ambitious men. And beyond them, the rising power of Rome, and the traders of Carthage. Perhaps common cause could be made with them, for a while...
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Kingdom of Pontus
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Not much has changed in the immediate vicinity of Pontus in R:TR, but they face as big a challenge as ever. As a smaller kingdom, you are forced to choose your battles more carefully, and your allies must be scrutinzed ever more closely. The rich lands of Asia Minor lay open to you, and will almost certainly form you a rich empire if taken from the grasp of the Seleucids. If you choose this route, you may want to make friendly contact with the Armenians to the east, but always beware treachery.
The Black Sea lies open to your fleets, and you may be able to become the dominant force there, blocking access in and out of the Bosphorous. Don't underestimate the power that such a move would bring, as the trade of the sea would now be in your hands...
After the death of Alexander the Great, the empire he had created collapsed with remarkable speed. His empire was the largest ever seen, and the generals struggled against each other for the ultimate prize that none of them was quite strong enough to attain. The Diadochi, or Successors, were only strong enough to hold together fragments of Alexander’s empire. Mithradates I, the son of Prince Mithradates of Cius, took advantage of this situation to establish a new kingdom of Pontus. He was not one of the Diadochi, but a freebooter who saw his chance and took it. In the confusion Mithradates rode to Pontus with six horsemen and made himself king. Mithradates was an able man, to say the least.
Since then, Pontus has managed to maintain its independence from both Greek and Persian influences, even though the royal family has Persian roots. The kingdom has a good position on the Black Sea coast and the potential to expand into much of Asia Minor. Nearby lie the great trade routes from the east, a significant source of revenue. It is also home to many warlike peoples, a fact that could be exploited by expansionist rulers.
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Gauls
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The Gauls may very well be the most difficult barbarian faction in the game. The reason for this is their direct contact with the Romans to their south. The Romans are expansionist, and as a result will probably try to push into your territory if other enemies don't pin them down. Once Rome has you on the other side of the Alps, it will prove very difficult to regain a toehold near Italy.
Proper use of your Forester Warband units is extremely important, and they will be able to turn the tide of many battles you fight. Against the compact formation of a Roman army, they can prove very effective.
Northwards you face the might of the Germans. This last faction begins at war with you, so you must be prepared to fend off any early incursions. Or, alternatively, you may choose to attack them at the very beginning, hopefully catching their warbands off guard...
The Gauls are a confederation of many tribes who have successfully expanded their territorial range over centuries of migration. Their culture is vibrant, aggressive and proud, valuing courage in both their leaders and warriors.
Do not mistake the Gallic people for simple barbarians. They are far from a simple people. Their culture is ancient. They have kings, coinage and developed trade. Their metal working skills are superb, easily the equal of their so-called civilized neighbours. Their towns are well organised and prosperous. Their culture is rich and they have Gods aplenty to keep them from harm. They have many warriors to do harm unto others. They may lack the writing of the Greeks or Romans, but this does not make them savages.
They are from the same robust Celtic stock as the Britons and indeed many of the same tribes can be found in both Northern Gaul and Britannia. The sea has been no barrier to their expansion. Like the Britons, the Gauls have a proud warrior tradition and are not people to lightly accept conquest or setbacks. They will fight, and fight hard, to preserve what is rightfully theirs, and to take new lands that could be rightfully theirs. A certain degree of bloody-mindedness also colours their druidic religion and warfare which many outsiders find deeply intimidating - headhunting does that to other people! The Gauls are a people with a great future, if they can find the space to expand successfully. They face many threats, from both ‘civilized’ people and other ‘barbarians’, but these threats can equally be seen as opportunities for greatness and glory.
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Germanic Tribes
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In the early game, these barbarians have one of the hardest goes at it. The provinces they own are limited, and they are unable to raise large enough armies to pose a true threat to any one nearby nation. By expanding into the northeast, however, they can eventually make up for their initial problems.
These independent provinces and villages may not be terribly rich, but they breed hardy people, and good warriors. Crossing into Scandinavia gives you your own bastion of defence if you ever get pushed back from your main provincial holdings, and the dark forests that surround you can be used for successful ambushes against careless foes.
The Gauls are your enemies. You've been warring intermittently for years. They cross into your lands and raid your towns, and their warriors are every bit as fierce as your own. To defeat them will take cunning and intelligent government, but it is not impossible.
The forests of Germania are dark and deep, and home to many brooding gods and malign forces. Some of this darkness, this menace, can be found in the people of the forests, men not easily tamed or turned to gentle pursuits. They are born to war, savage in battle, unforgiving of insults, implacable when feuding, and cruel in victory. Their gods are terrible and demand hideous sacrifices of men, women and children. This, at least, the scribes of civilized lands believe to be true.
The Germans are much like their Celtic neighbours, but with their own distinctive styles of dress, their own language and their own ways. They are a confederation of people who speak the same tongue and honour the same warlike and harsh gods rather than a nation. Their constant feuding amongst themselves make them distrusting of strangers and difficult allies. Warlords rise and fall among them almost continuously, and the difficult conditions in their homeland make sure that they have few large towns. Peace is almost unknown to them, except when it is won with an axe or sword.
All of this has produced a race of warriors second to none. The Germans may not be sophisticated fighters, but they are cunning, clever, and do not know the meaning of fear. Ambush and treachery they understand in full, along with vengeance and the importance of leaving no enemy alive. They are a vigorous people, a people who could be great across the whole of the world. All they need is leadership, and the chance to fight!
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The Celtic Tribes
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The Celts were one of the biggest and massive ethnic groups that inhabited Europe in early Roman times. They were known as fierce warriors and headhunters, and were considered as "wild beasts" by classical authors such as Strabo and Pausanias. In popular history and culture, Celts are known for their mythology and symbolism, such as the Celtic Cross. The various tribes were scattered all across the Old Continent, from Britain to the Balkans.
Because of their scattered nature, your starting position is very difficult. Quick measures to secure borders and expand territory must be taken in order to survive and keep the flame of uniting your distant and cut-off cities into one vigorous and formidable empire.
This is a 'superfaction'. Superfactions work differently from typical factions in that they consist of a wide range of peoples with similar culture that operate under one banner.
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Kingdom of Greater Armenia
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The Armenians are a difficult faction in R:TR because they must contend with the nearby empires of both Parthia and the Seleucids, while raising a very expensive army. It would not be advisable to take on both of these likely enemies at once. Instead, it may be wiser to ally with another small kingdom in the vicinity: Pontus. With the support gained from each other's forces, you may very well be able to put up a fight against the much larger, and more dominant, empires of the south and east. Of course, choosing this course of action means that you will eventually have to deal with a Pontic threat.
Alternatively, you could choose to strike at Pontus in the beginning, and claim their mountainous provinces for your own. Doing this risks the exposure of your back to the Parthians and Seleucids, both of which would be eager to swallow up a small kingdom such as yours while you were busy waging a petty war with a petty empire...
In the 6th century BC, Armenians settled in the kingdom of Urarty (the Assyrian name for Ararat), which was in decline. Under Tigrane the Great the Armenian empire reached its height and became one of the most powerful in Asia, stretching from the Caspian to the Mediterranean Seas. Throughout most of its long history, however, Armenia has been invaded by a succession of empires. Under constant threat of domination by foreign forces, Armenians became both cosmopolitan as well as fierce protectors of their culture and tradition.
Now no longer under the empire of Alexander the Great, Armenia could become an empire of its own once more...
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Getae Tribes
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The northern Thracian tribes beyond the Haemus Mountains(Balkans) came to be known by the ancient Greek and Roman writers as Getai and Daci. Although of Thracian stock, they came under various degrees of influence from the Scythians and Greeks in the east - with which they traded - and the Celts in the north west since the 4th Century BC. The Geto-Dacians, like other Thracian tribes were a warlike people. Frequently, tribes made war among each other or raided territories adjacent to theirs. They were also very brave, not fearing death as in their beliefs they did not die but go to Zalmoxis, their chief deity. Their history is filled with conflicts,either among them or with other tribes of different cultures. The first mention of the Geto-Dacians in written sources come from Herodotus, who tells us that they were the only ones who dared to oppose Darius I (also known as Darius the Great) in his campaign against the Scythians in 513 BC and that they were "the noblest as well as the most just of all Thracians tribes". We don't know the outcome of the conflict but the Getai probably didn't use other then harassment tactics since the Persian army was huge according to sources.
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Kingdom of Numidia
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The Numidians could very well be the most difficult faction to play as in R:TR. Beware, they are only for the veterans amongst us.
Playing the Numidians is a tough proposition. Their lands are poor, being mostly in the desert, and they have to contend with the might of Carthage to boot. Your best option is to consolidate your small selection of provinces, and grow them to a higher level before attempting major conquest. Ally with those you can, and only turn on them when you are positive you are ready. If you strike too soon, you may be overwhelmed within a few years.
You have the benefit of being able to expand across the Strait of Gibraltar into the Iberian peninsula. You may be able to attack the native Spanish tribes, while keeping the African mainland as a stronghold and natural barrier against their incursions. But be wary. To the north are the mighty Carthaginians, and they will surely not put up with a pesky neighbour for long. It may be wise to first become allies with them, before turning your mind to other pursuits. To the east of your farthest province lies the aggressive Ptolemaic Empire. It will be tough marching recruits across the desert to meet any possible threats that arise from them, so tread carefully in your dealings...
Numidia is an ancient country of Northern Africa, very roughly situated around modern Algeria. It was part of the Carthaginian empire until Masinissa, ruler of East Numidia, allied himself (c.206 BC) with Rome in the Punic Wars. After the Roman victory over Carthage led to peace in 201 BC, Masinissa was awarded rule of all Numidia. This began Numidia's most flourishing period, culturally and politically.
During the Second Punic War, its two great tribes divided, one supporting the Romans and the other the Carthaginians. The tribal chief Masinissa was made king of Numidia after the Roman victory in 201 BC. After the destruction of Carthage, thousands fled to Numidia, which became a Roman province in 46 BC. Its capital was Cirta, and the chief city was Hippo, which was the see of St. Augustine. After its conquest by the Vandals in AD 429, Roman civilization there declined rapidly; some pockets of native culture survived, however, and even continued after the Arab conquest in the 8th century.
Your role as the Numidian leader will be difficult. You've been a toy of the Carthaginians and pawn of the Romans for the last hundred years. Trade and defense will be early priorities to ensure the Numidians have a fighting chance.
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The Saka
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The Saka - a mysterious people of the Eurasian Steppes. Maybe they were the same as the Scythians, with Saka simply being the Persian name for them, or perhaps they were a completely independent steppe people- no one really knows for sure. What everyone does know is, that these people lived as nomads and became champions of this region's typical style of warfare. They were among the troops of the King of Kings Dareios during the Marathon campaign and became renowned cavalryman throughout the ancient world. The best known example for their clever and cruel rulers is the famous Queen Tomyris, who fought against Cyrus II the Great in a battle beyond the Araxes Rivers, in which the Great King was killed and his head cut off. One of these victorious tribes, which is synonymous with the Saka, were the Massagetae. They were many in number, but details about the culture, religion and customs have been lost.
There were alliances and rivalries, and many Saka would form confederations, owning the steppes and roaming around Central Asia. One of these groups were the Parni, who became the founders of the Parthian Empire in the middle of the third century BC.
But now the Saka are shattered and divided, gradually disappearing completely. Will it be possible to assemble the tribes in the steppe once more? Will they become vital allies of the rising Parthians? Or exterminate the Sarmatians and move to the West? Or will they gather in the East to reinforce their numbers there? Their fate lies in the hand of the player- the Saka, nomads and the most terrible horse archers on earth.
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Iberian Tribes
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The Iberians are in a potentially explosive situation. They are squished between the Carthaginian colonies, and the Gallic tribes to the north. By allying with one, and warring with the other, they may be able to end up with Iberia completely to themselves.
The Iberians are the native peoples of the peninsula they currently inhabit, and it's only fitting that they destroy those who have upset the natural balance. By claiming Iberia for yourself, you will not only be consolidating your burgeoning empire behind the protective wall of the Pyrenees, but you will also be turning into an economic power house with the rich gold and silver mines that are scattered throughout the hills and mountains.
Your best course of action may be choosing to war with the colonists of Carthage. They will likely be embroiled in a war across the sea with the Romans, and a small side show against some 'barbarians' performing guerrilla tactics will not be very popular back home in their Senate. By keeping them on their toes and embroiled in a war of short strikes, they will surely be defeated within a brief period of time. Choosing to go north against the Gauls first may not prove as fruitful, as you will leave your back exposed to treacherous Carthaginian attacks...
The original peoples of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) consisted of a number of separate tribes, but are given the generic name 'Iberians'. The most important culture of this period is that of the city of Tartessos. Beginning in the 9th century BC, Celtic tribes entered the Iberian peninsula through the Pyrenees and settled throughout the Peninsula, becoming the Celt-Iberians. The seafaring Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians successively settled along the Mediterranean coast and founded trading colonies there over a period of several centuries.
Around 1100 BC, Phoenician merchants founded the trading colony of Gadir near Tartessos. In the 8th century BC the first Greek colonies, such as Emporion, were founded along the Mediterranean coast on the East, leaving the south coast to the Phoenicians. The Greeks are responsible for the name Iberia, after the river Iber. In the 6th century BC the Carthaginians arrived in Iberia while struggling with the Greeks for control of the Western Mediterranean. Their most important colony was Carthago Nova (Latin name of modern day Cartagena).
The Romans arrived in the Iberian peninsula during the Second Punic war in the 2nd century BC, and annexed it under Augustus after two centuries of war with the Celtic and Iberian tribes and the Phoenician, Greek, and Carthaginian colonies becoming the province of Hispania. Some of Spain's present languages, religion, and laws originate from this Roman period.
Your role as the Iberian leader is one of great difficulty. You have the Gauls splitting you in two, and the mighty Carthaginians to the south. Only through cunning diplomacy, proficient trade and a good military can you hope to take on the might of the Roman Empire, provided it isn't destroyed early on.
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Illyrian Tribes
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As an Illyrian chieftan you will face some serious problems. Geographically Illyria is located between the the Kingdom of Macedon, Epirus, Cisalpine Gaul and Rome - opening up a world of conflict and potential defeat if you don't play your cards right. Your position allows for potentially devastating coastal raids on both western Hellas and the Italian mainland as well as quick overland raids into Cisalpine Gaul and northern Italy. A skilled commander could suddenly overwhelm a already engaged opponent, attacking his least defended flank by sea or overland. The Illyrian armies are known for their speed and simplicity.
The Illyrian army is a synthesis of Greek, Thracian and Gallic warfare - employing traditional hoplites, warbands, light and heavy cavalry as well as the world's finest infantry skirmishers and peltasts. This unique blend of warriors, the general cheapness of the units and the ability to quickly produce massive quantities of reliable and brave warriors is a unique strength that will come in handy in lightning quick attacks. As chieftan, a world of choice is open to you due to your position and the quality of your army but be careful not to attack the Hellenic east too early on, or the phalanx will be your doom.
In classical history, Illyria or Illyricum or Illyrikon was a region of the western Balkan Peninsula inhabited by the tribes and clans of Illyrians, an ancient people who probably spoke an Indo-European language (the Illyrian languages). The main cities of Illyria were Lissus and (probably) Epidamnus. The Illyrians may have appeared in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula about 2000 BC, a period coinciding with the end of the Bronze Age and beginning of the Iron Age. The Illyrians were not a unified body but a conglomerate of many different tribes. These tribes however had a common language and culture. The people were unified by King Hyllus who is reported to have died around the year 1235 BC. Some believe that this was the first sign of unified Illyrian kingdom. For at least the next millennium, they occupied lands extending from the Danube, Sava, and Morava rivers to the Adriatic Sea and the Šar Mountains. Some believe that the modern Albanians are in large part descended from the Illyrians. An Illyrian tribe of "mountain folk" called the Arber, or Arbereshė, and later Albanoi, lived near Durrės.
The Illyrian kingdom was founded by Hyllus (the name comes from a word meaning "star" in Albanian) around 1200 BC; the second king whose name we know is that of Bardhyllus ("white star"), who turned Illyria into a formidable local power in the 4th century BC. In 359 BC, King Perdiccas III of Macedonia was killed by attacking Illyrians. In 358 BC, however, Macedonia's Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, defeated the Illyrians and assumed control of their territory as far as Lake Ohrid. Alexander himself routed the forces of the Illyrian chieftain Clitus in 335 BC, and Illyrian tribal leaders and soldiers accompanied Alexander on his conquest of Persia. After Alexander's death in 323 BC, independent Illyrian kingdoms again arose. In 312 BC, King Glaukius expelled the Greeks from Durrės. By the end of the third century, an Illyrian kingdom based near what is now the Albanian city of Shkodėr controlled parts of northern Albania, Montenegro, and Herzegovina. Under Queen Teuta, Illyrians attacked Roman merchant vessels plying the Adriatic Sea and gave Rome an excuse to invade the Balkans.
In the Illyrian Wars of 229 BC and 219 BC, Rome overran the Illyrian settlements in the Neretva river valley and suppressed the piracy that had made the Adriatic unsafe. In 180 BC the Dalmatians declared themselves independent of the Illyrian king Gentius, who kept his capital at Skodra (Shkoder). The Romans made new gains in 168 BC, and Roman forces captured Gentius at Shkoder, which they called Scodra, and brought him to Rome in 165 BC. A century later, Julius Caesar and his rival Pompey fought their decisive battle near Durrės (Dyrrachium). Rome finally subjugated recalcitrant Illyrian tribes in the western Balkans during the reign of Emperor Tiberius in 9 AD, and established the province of Illyricum, governed by an Imperial legate. The Romans divided the lands that make up present-day Albania among the provinces of Macedonia, Dalmatia, and Epirus.
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Last edited by Vrosivs Avgvstvs Rakvs; December 02, 2016 at 09:03 PM.
Rome Total Realism Project Dev Team Member and Head of Public Relations
RTR VII Beta Tester/Dev Team Member
"Coasting through the intermission that separates day from day, I find myself feeling oddly at peace with reality. Despite everything, I think life will workout in the end. The world, as as I see it is a remarkable place." - DukeCanada, the interstellar wanderer.
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