Imperium BCE

Imperium BCE is a strategy game about leading Rome and expanding its influence among neighboring kingdoms and cultures. You can pursue expansion through war or use spies and diplomacy to weaken rivals, divide kingdoms and build Roman influence. You must manage relations with your neighbors as you spread your culture and religion without alarming them.

Rule an empire

Unexpected events can hinder or advance your empire. Rain may ruin crops, causing food shortages and dissatisfaction among citizens, who may blame the Gods or you. You can follow priests’ advice and hold costly rituals to honor the Gods and appease your people.

You choose between political systems and enact laws to organize society, make changes for citizens and establish clear rules and responsibilities. The description also notes that choices can have serious consequences.

Use spies and diplomacy

Spies operate in secret to sabotage and assassinate, steal essential supplies, spread Roman culture or disperse diseases that can devastate populations. They need time and resources, and can be caught.

Diplomats can improve relations, give gifts and repair the damage to Rome’s reputation caused by conquests. They can put other rulers at ease, or provoke and insult them to draw them into a trap. Their actions can prevent wars or set them in motion, and may provide justification for war.

Fight and expand

You train warriors, use battle strategies, reward soldiers with land, besiege cities and expand Roman territory. You can attack vulnerable enemies, defend your citizens and fight sea battles to maintain control of the sea.

Develop Rome

You provide architects with resources to develop cities and turn villages into towns. Buildings offer different benefits and take time to construct, so you plan your expansion around the resources and time available.

Researchers can strengthen Rome through careful study or by stealing knowledge from other civilizations. Discoveries can take years to put into use, and limited resources mean you must choose which ones to pursue.