Pax Augusta

Pax Augusta is a city-building simulation set in the Roman Empire. As a governor under Emperor Augustus, you establish settlements along the empire’s borders, develop them into cities and manage the needs of their inhabitants. Your decisions shape your fortunes as you contend with economic, political and civic challenges.

Found new cities

You begin with a small settlement beside a newly built imperial road. Build a harbor and a forum to attract inhabitants, then use growing tax revenues to mine raw materials and construct buildings that meet the population’s needs. Residential areas, market squares, temples, baths, theaters, gladiator schools and slave markets serve different purposes in city life, including providing entertainment and work.

As your settlement grows, you can create city districts, support citizens’ well-being, trade and erect monuments. Your city can develop from a small outpost into a metropolis, with building options ranging from farms to monumental arenas. Many buildings are based on historical examples, some of which survive as ruins.

Govern the empire’s borders

Trade agreements help supply food and building materials, while importing marble can support the construction of temples. You can export goods and control trade routes for profit, but relying on only a few unreliable trading partners carries risks. The game’s trade and city-development systems call for balancing prosperity with stability.

Fire, collapsing buildings, disease, unrest and corruption can threaten your city. Emperors also affect your position: some grant privileges, while others test your leadership. Your reputation can draw the attention of the Senate or emperor, and building enough reputation lets you found new settlements. Growing your private fortune can allow you to apply for new offices, which provide opportunities to build monuments and unlock building sites.

Rise through Roman politics

The campaign is inspired by the historical writings of the Roman historian Tacitus. You navigate Roman politics while managing the economy, political affairs and urban development, and your success can lead to advancement or deposition by the Senate. You can also play Sandbox mode, where you build a Roman city freely, without restrictions.

Expand across the frontier

You can colonize regions of Gaul and Germania along new Roman trade routes, expanding toward the empire’s northern borders. Across the game, you develop settlements, manage commerce and respond to the demands of both the population and the empire.