Byzantines

Overview

Byzantines are part of Age of Empires II, representing Eastern Mediterranean and emphasizing defensive & counter units. Their signature roster includes the Cataphract. Buildings, walls, gates, and Farms gain increasing hit points with each Age.

Civilization identity

Byzantines is classified as Eastern Mediterranean and is centered on defensive & counter units. Its defining roster entry is Cataphract. This focus is a starting point for reading the technology tree, not a requirement to use only one unit line: the bonuses and matchup determine which parts of the roster are worth investing in. In team games, monks heal faster; account for this while choosing allies and deciding which role the civilization should cover.

Civilization bonuses and their value

Each bonus applies to a specific part of the economy, army, or map plan. Read the effect together with its target: a discount matters when it changes a build or upgrade timing, while a combat bonus matters only when the affected unit or structure is actually fielded.

• Buildings, walls, gates, and Farms gain increasing hit points with each Age This affects economic tempo or worker efficiency and can change how quickly the civilization reaches its next production or Age-up timing.
• Camels, Skirmishers, and Spearmen cost less This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.
• Fire Ships and Dromons attack faster This directly changes the named unit or structure in combat, so it is strongest when the affected line is part of the army or defense.
• Imperial Age research costs less; Town Watch and Town Patrol are free This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.

Signature units and unique technologies

Cataphract: A heavy cavalry unit built to break infantry formations and withstand attacks aimed at cavalry Varangian Guard: Shock infantry used by the Vikings, Varangians, and Byzantines; it can earn gold while fighting Elite Varangian Guard: The Imperial Age upgrade to the Varangian Guard for civilizations with access to its elite form These units define the civilization’s distinctive options. Its unique technologies add later-game choices; compare their effects with the cost and research timing before committing resources.

• Greek Fire: Fire Ships and several defensive weapons gain range or blast radius
• Logistica: Cataphracts and Varangian Guards deal trample damage

Civilization game plan

The guide below connects the civilization’s bonuses to an opening, a main army, a transition, and the principal risk to watch. Adapt the sequence after scouting rather than treating it as a fixed build order.

• Opening: Keep the opening flexible and preserve a safe economy; cheap counter units make reactive defense efficient.
• Core army: Use the broad counter roster to answer enemy composition instead of committing early to one expensive line.
• Transition: Advance into the stronger later-age technology options, then use trash units and siege to stretch the opponent’s resources.
• Watch for: The economy does not accelerate as quickly as some rivals, and the Stable lacks key upgrades; protect any mounted investment.

Technology tree gaps

This civilization-specific tree marks the units, research, and upgrades that are unavailable. Check the named production building or research line before planning a transition; the gaps can rule out an otherwise familiar counter or upgrade.

• Archery Range: Parthian Tactics
• Stable: Battle Elephant, Steppe Lancer, Bloodlines
• Siege Workshop: Siege Onager, Heavy Scorpion
• Castle: Sappers
• Dock: Cannon Galleon
• Monastery: Herbal Medicine
• Blacksmith: Blast Furnace
• University: Masonry, Siege Engineers, Heated Shot

Team-game role

The team bonus is Monks heal faster. This can help define a complementary team role. Coordinate it with allied civilizations that can use the bonus or cover a weakness in the roster.