Romans

Overview

Romans are part of Age of Empires II, representing Southern Europe and emphasizing infantry & siege. Their signature roster includes the Centurion. Villagers gather, build, and repair faster.

Civilization identity

Romans is classified as Southern Europe and is centered on infantry & siege. Its defining roster entrys are Legionary, Centurion. 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, scorpion-line units have reduced minimum range; 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.

• Villagers gather, build, and repair faster This affects economic tempo or worker efficiency and can change how quickly the civilization reaches its next production or Age-up timing.
• Galleys and Dromons gain armor 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.
• Infantry receive greater benefit from Blacksmith armor research 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.
• Scorpions cost less gold This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.

Signature units and unique technologies

Legionary: The Roman upgrade to the swordsman line, replacing its final two shared infantry forms Centurion: Roman cavalry whose presence strengthens nearby militia-line infantry 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.

• Ballistas: Scorpions fire faster and Galleys gain attack
• Comitatenses: Militia-line, Knight-line, and Centurion units train faster and gain a charge attack

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: Use the economic work-rate bonus to reach military production smoothly, then choose a timing that protects the early economy.
• Core army: Infantry, Scorpions, and the unique roster become more effective as their later-age bonuses come online.
• Transition: Scale into Castle Age and Imperial Age before committing to the full armored infantry and siege composition.
• Watch for: The power curve favors a prepared midgame; scout early pressure and cover technology-tree omissions with support units.

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.

• Barracks: Gambesons, Arson
• Archery Range: Arbalester, Hand Cannoneer, Thumb Ring, Parthian Tactics
• Stable: Hussar, Paladin, Camel Rider, Battle Elephant, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Siege Onager, Bombard Cannon
• Castle: Hoardings
• Dock: Heavy Demolition Ship, Cannon Galleon, Carrack
• Monastery: Sanctity, Heresy, Theocracy
• Defensive structures: Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Bracer, Plate Mail Armor
• University: Bombard Tower, Heated Shot, Arrowslits, Treadmill Crane, Dry Dock, Siphons
• Mining Camp: Stone Shaft Mining
• Lumber Camp: Two-Man Saw

Team-game role

The team bonus is Scorpion-line units have reduced minimum range. 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.