Age of Mythology (PC) &
The Titans (PC)
The Complete Strategy Guide
Version: 0.7 - 03/03/05
By Jim Chamberlin
red_phoenix_1@hotmail.com
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<< Disclaimer >>
This document may be freely distributed so long as it is not edited or
or altered in any way, I am given credit, you do not charge for viewing
this guide; this includes, but is not limited to websites, cds, dvds,
magazines, etc.
This document was made for personal use only. No part of this document may
be copied or used in any form of media without the express written consent
of Jim Chamberlin. Unauthorized use of any information herein is a direct
violation of Copyright Law, and legal action will be taken.
This document is Copyright © 2005 Jim Chamberlin. All Rights Reserved.
Microsoft, Age of Mythology, and Ensemble are either registered trademarks
or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries/regions.
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<< Online References >>
Microsoft's Official Site http://www.microsoft.com/games/ageofmythology
Ensemble Studios http://www.ensemblestudios.com/
Through The Ages http://www.throughtheages.com/
Age of Mythology Heaven http://aom.heavengames.com/
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Contacting Me
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I am NOT hiding any information, however if your question has not been
properly answered in this FAQ, email me. Be sure to read through the FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions) section, as that is where I answer questions
that either will or have made me answer multiple times. When emailing me,
put "Age of Mythology" or "AOM" in the Subject. Doing that will get you a
faster reply...hint, hint.
If you don't want to use email, an alternative is a message board. Below
is an address for the Age of Mythology and Titans message boards on
GameFAQs. There are others who visit that forum, who I am sure
can and will help answer any question you may have.
http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/gentopic.php?board=476277
http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/gentopic.php?board=914617
I would also recommend checking out Age of Mythology Heaven and
Through The Ages (web addresses listed in the "Online References" section
just above) for additional help. They have their own message boards with
more gamers than that of GameFAQs.
If you have a strategy or tip for Age of Mythology, please feel free to
submit it, by emailing me. As mentioned above, please include "Age of
Mythology" or "AOM" in the Subject Line. If your tip is used in this
guide, you will be given credit. If you don't want your Email-Address
listed in this guide, for fear of getting SPAM, please mention this in
your email, and I'll happily just include your name/alias.
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Author's Notes
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Over time, links or URLS (Uniform Resource Locators) may become out-of-
date. Unfortunately, this does tend to happen with the Internet, so I
must remind you that the addresses originally in this document did in
fact work. If you find a link that doesn't work properly, please let
me know, and I'll see if I can either find a replacement for it, or
include some sort of notice stating the problem.
Also, over time, Ensemble Studios releases patches, which can cause
some changes to things like the stats of units, buildings, etc. Please
take this into account when looking at them; I am not likely going to be
able to keep up with all of the patches.
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Revision History
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Version 0.7 - Mar 03, 2005 - 747 KB
Added a Frequently Asked Question, and added two stategies from Hiram
Jones.
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Table of Contents
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Overview
Age of Mythology Features
Age of Mythology: The Titans Features
Basics
Resources
Titans
Cultures
Greek Mythology
Egyptian Mythology
Norse Mythology
Atlantean Mythology
Greek Buildings
Egyptian Buildings
Norse Buildings
Atlantean Buildings
Greek Units
Egyptian Units
Norse Units
Atlantean Units
General Technologies
Tips and Strategies
Relics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Appendices
Hotkeys
Cheats
Links
Revision History
Final Words...
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Overview
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Ensemble Studios released Age of Mythology on October 29, 2002 as yet
another great title. Some call this a sequel to Age of Empires II - it
kind of is and isn't. While the technology and ideas within Age of
Mythology are certainly greater in comparison to that of Age of Empires
II: Age of Kings, it does not follow the time line where AoE II left
off; it's for this reason, and this reason only that I don't consider
Age of Mythology, or AoM, a sequel to AoE II.
After a successful launch of Age of Mythology, Ensemble Studios developed
and released an expansion pack, called "The Titans", which only further
added to the addictive and exciting gameplay of that found in Age
of Mythology. A little further down in this guide, you'll be able to
learn about what was added with the expansion pack.
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Age of Mythology Features
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Age of Mythology preserves the familiar elements popular in previous
Age of Empires games. Wonders, civilization bonuses, technology trees,
resource gathering, empire building, and large armies clashing on
fields of battle are all at the heart of the game. At the same time, a
number of entirely new gameplay features are introduced, making for a
fresh, original experience:
* God Powers - These rare and powerful gifts grant players the powers
of the gods several times during each game.
* Mythological Units - Each with their own special ability, these
scarce units can be added to a player's armies to change the
character of the fighting force.
* Multiple Ways To Advance Ages - Players now get to choose different
ways to advance though the ages, each providing a different set of
bonuses.
* Highly Differentiated Civilizations - Age of Mythology builds on
the civilization differentiation featured in Age of Kings and
features civilizations that play dramatically different from one
another.
* Graphics worthy of the gods – Age of Mythology features beautiful
environments, buildings, units and special effects rendered in full
3-D using Ensemble’s revolutionary game engine. Hundreds of unit
animations bring the game world to life, as players see units
fighting using a variety of attack and defense maneuvers. In
addition to beautiful cascading waves and lifelike terrain, the
special effects in Age of Mythology include waterspouts, infernos,
lava, tornadoes, earthquakes and smoke with astonishing levels of
detail.
* A game for everyone – Age of Mythology offers diverse game modes
and a variety of settings for novice and experienced real-time
strategy fans alike. In-game cinematic scenes create a seamless,
story-based and character-driven campaign. In addition, Age of
Mythology is easy to learn and use with an intuitive, streamlined
interface.
* Replayability - The game offers more than 15 map types, 13 game
variants and five starting conditions in its multiplayer lineup.
Nine highly differentiated civilizations and the inclusion of a
random map generator keep gamers coming back to play.
* To Hades and back – Players can now petition the gods for favors
in the game. Persuade Ra to strike an enemy’s city center with
a meteor; enlist Thor to trap opponents in a snow squall; or beg
Poseidon to swamp an attacking fleet. Players reinforce their
armies with Minotaurs, griffons, giants, Cyclops and many other
mythological creatures. In addition, players can seek out hidden
treasures like the Golden Fleece and Hades’ Helm of Invisibility
while traveling through underworld domains, rough seas or a vast
desert.
* Divine gameplay true to the Ages – Age of Mythology preserves
many familiar elements from the Age of Empires games – including
wonders, technology trees, ages and civilization bonuses – while
enabling skill-based combat decisions. Smarter units allow
players to make better use of inherent strengths and terrain
advantages.
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Age of Mythology: The Titans Features
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Age of Mythology: The Titans adds a fourth mythology, the Atlanteans,
to the existing Greek, Egyptian and Norse mythologies in Age of
Mythology. A new single-player campaign will add yet another chapter
to the expansive panoply of ancient folklore along with the addition
of new scenarios. Atlantean players will be able to call upon the
might of the Titan gods (such as Atlas and Cronus) multiple times
throughout the game, and may also upgrade human units to heroes. The
expansion pack will introduce 12 new god powers, 15 new human units
and 12 formidable myth units to the game.
* Atlantean mythology - Take advantage of unique cultural attributes,
god powers, myth units and much more to dominate your opponents.
Use your Titan god powers multiple times to demolish the opposition,
promote selected units within the culture to hero status, and reap
the benefits of a culture with new features, such as the ability
to control time and space. Explore new maps and expand the
"playground of the gods."
* An extended story line - The Titans adds new scenarios to explore
and conquer. In-game cinematics help to integrate and further
enrich the game’s story.
* A new victory condition - Create a Titan unit that dwarfs everyone
else; wreak havoc and rain destruction on enemy civilizations.
* Additional powers, heroes and mythological units - The Titans
brings the ancient world to life in more detail than ever before
with exciting gameplay elements and characters. The expansion
pack will unveil the incredible powers of the Titan gods, which
can be unleashed by the Atlanteans who worship them. In addition,
new myth units and human units allow gamers to build their
civilization and go into battle in a nearly infinite number of
ways.
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Basics
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This section is or those of you who have never played an "Age" game, as
this is a very basic summary of the game.
In Age of Mythology, you start off with a few villagers and some
resources (food, gold, and wood). You may also get a scout or military
unit, depending on what culture you choose at the beginning of the game.
You also have God Powers. What God Powers you have will not only
depend on what culture you choose, but what Gods you choose. The God
Powers can range from a power that can damage buildings and units, to
one that will create a large gold mine.
You take your villagers and create an economy, which at the very
beginning is often limited to food, gold, and wood. Your villagers can
chop wood, kill animals to get food, and mine for gold. Over time you
will expand your empire, creating towers, walls, and military units,
advance in Ages allowing you to choose new Gods and gain access to new
units and technologies to further advance your empire.
There are obviously a variety of strategies you can take on, but I'll
get into that a bit later in this guide.
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Resources
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A person's resources are the single most important thing in Age of
Mythology. If you don't have sufficient resources, you cannot build
an effective economy to support any sort or military force, or even
advance to the next Age. AOM has four main resources: food, wood, gold,
and Favor. Each culture has its own advantages and disadvantages when
it comes to collecting these resources.
FOOD
----
Food is a universally needed resource in the game. The food is needed
to build nearly all units, especially the ever-important villagers
who do the gathering of the resources. Food can be collected in
several ways, such as farms, hunting, foraging, fishing, and herding.
Most of these are pretty self-explanatory, but the herding should be
elaborated on a bit.
The herdable animals are spread around on your map. I recommend
using either a scout or fast military unit (cavalry, preferably),
depending on what you have. Your enemy can steal your animals,
so keep an eye on them. The herdables tend to fatten up over time,
so once you've gotten them back to your Town Center, don't kill
them immediately - wait a bit. Here's a few figures which show how
much food you can gather from them.
ANIMAL INITIAL AMT FATTENED AMT
Goat 50 300
Pig 50 300
Cow 75 400
GOLD
----
Much like food, gold is needed quite often, usually with researching
technologies and military units. Building a large military force can
be quite expensive!
Your villagers gather gold from mines, which do tend to vary on size.
If you choose Thor, you have the ability to create your own mine,
instead of relying on natural ones. Norse Dwarves gather gold
faster than most units for other cultures.
WOOD
----
Wood isn't needed as quite as much as Food and Gold, but is with
respect to buildings and some military units. The military units
that require large amounts of wood, are Archers and Siege Weapons.
FAVOR
-----
Favor is the new resource in the game. Favor is needed for your
Mythological units as well as for the improvements/technologies
offered by the Gods. Each culture gains Favor in their own unique
ways. You can learn about this in the "Mythology" sections below.
As you can see, the various types of resources are unique in the way
they are obtained, but also when it comes to be used. I can't tell you
which resources you need to focus on in each game, because it's impossible.
Your strategy for any given game will dictate the way you will need to
focus your economy. This will likely be discussed further along in this
guide.
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Titans
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The most unique unit of the game was added in the expansion pack, the
Titan. Each culture has their own Titan. They're pretty much unstopp-
able unless you use another Titan, although mythological units and Heroes
can do a bit of damage since the Heroes have bonuses.
Gaia, the Mother Earth goddess, created Oranos, the god of the sky, and
mated with him, thereby producing the first immortals - the Titans. The
twelve Titans were equally divided between males (Lapetus, Hyperion,
Oceanus, Coeus, Creus, and Kronos) and females (Phoebe, Rheia, Theia,
Mnemosyne, Tethys, and Themis). In addition, Gaia gave birth to other
creatures, including the Cyclops and the Hecatoncheired (hundred-headed
giants).
Oranos hated Gaia's children, however, and hid them within Mother Earth,
causing her great pain and suffering. Kronos, the youngest of the Titans,
eventually overthrew his father and freed his siblings, though he kept
the other creatures imprisoned. The Titans and their children (including
Prometheus, Atlas, Hekate, Selene, and Helios) then ruled the universe. At
this time humankind was created and Atlantis was founded. All was not
harmonious, however.
Kronos took his sister Rheia as his wife. Fearing a prophecy that his own
offspring would turn on him, as he had turned on Oranos, Kronos swallowed
his children as they were born. Rheia gave birth to her sixth child, Zeus,
in the dead of night and fooled Kronos by giving him a stone to swallow.
Zeus was then entrusted to Gaia until grown, at which point he returned and
forced Kronos to regurgitate the five older children (and the stone).
A war, called the Titanomachy, broke out between Zeus and his generation
against many of the older Titans. At the request of Gaia and to aid his
cause, Zeus freed the Cyclops, who forged Zeus' thunderbolts, Hades' helmet
of invisibility, and Poseidon's trident. The struggle raged for ten years,
and the earth shook and burned as huge rocks crashed into it and
thunderbolts ignited forests. Some surmise that Atlantis was destroyed in
this struggle, perhaps for siding with the Titans against Zeus'
confederacy.
As the climax of the war approached, Zeus recalled the wishes of Gaia and
returned to the Underworld to free the Hecatoncheired. Maddened by their
long imprisonment at the hands of the Titans - first Oranos, and then
Kronos - they unleashed a storm of rocks that ended the war. Zeus
condemned to Tartarus, the Titans who stood against him and the Cyclops,
fashioned a series of gates and walls to hold them. Zeus also placed the
Hecatoncheires as their guards. Zeus and his generation took over the
universe and ruled from Olympus.
Thus all the gods of the universe were the progeny of the Titans and ruled
in peace only so long as the Titans remained imprisoned. But there
remained in the world both mortals and immortals who continued to plot
revenge.
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Cultures
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In Age of Mythology, we have three different cultures to choose to play
with, the Greeks, Egyptians, and Norse. The expansion pack, Titans,
added an additional culture, the Atlanteans. Each of these cultures
is unique in many, many ways.
In each of the cultures, as you progress through the Ages, you have
are given options as to which Gods you choose to play with. Each God
brings different bonuses and abilities to your culture. All four
cultures have three Major Gods in the beginning to choose from, and as
you progress, are able to choose from a variety of Minor Gods.
Greeks
------
Of the four cultures, the Greeks are one of the easiest to learn.
I found that it was the easiest to transition to, from Age of
Empires II. Villagers construct buildings and gather resources,
just as in AoE II.
The Greeks have a very diverse military compared to the other
cultures. The military units are very strong, but a bit on the
expensive side (you get what you pay for, eh?).
The Greeks start off with a free Kataskopos, a cavalry scout
unit. Put him to good use early on in your game(s) by looking for
settlements, new food and gold sources, enemy locations, and
perhaps even steal enemy domesticated animals.
Each Major Greek God gives you four (or in the case of Poseidon,
five) Heroes. Heroes are created at the Town Center. You
get a new Hero with each Age-advance.
The Greeks are the only culture to have direct control over the
rate at which they can gain Favor from the Gods. Greeks gain
Favor by worshipping at a Temple; the more worshippers, the
faster your Favor will increase. The Temple allows you to
research several units and technologies, which require Favor,
in addition to the typical calls for Gold & Food. If you choose
Zeus, you start off with Favor, gain Favor faster, and have an
increased Favor cap of 200.
Egyptians
---------
When you think of Egyptian history, you're more likely to think of
things made of gold than wood. This is something the developers of
Age of Mythology took into consideration (you won't need to do a
whole lot of wood chopping, compared to other cultures). In
fact, you'll find that several Egyptian buildings are Free, but
the Egyptians build them slower. The Pharaoh can empower the
building to increase the building speed. Unlike the Greeks, for
instance, the Egyptians can begin farming in the Archaic Age,
as opposed to the Classical Age.
The Egyptians have several benefits that encourage a defensive
game style. The Egyptians have a unique military unit, the
Mercenary, which is a great fighter, but will die after 30
seconds or so.
The Egyptians have two Heroes, the Pharaoh and Priest. The
Pharaoh features several unique abilities, the most important
being the ability to empower a building. This empowerment acts
as a bonus of sorts, but the effect really depends on the building
that is empowered at the time. A Monument, for instance, will
gain Favor much faster than if it weren't empowered.
Norse
-----
With the Greek culture, its villagers gather the resources, but
with the Norse culture, they have two groups (gatherers and
Dwarves) to collect the Wood, Food, and Gold. Greek villagers
also are tasked with constructing the various buildings needed,
but the Norse are a bit different here as well. The Norse
infantry, who not only have to fight battles, are tasked with
the construction of the buildings.
The Norse have a rather unique unit, the Ox Cart. Instead of
building a stationary resource drop-off point, such as a Storehouse,
or Lumber Camp, for instance, the Ox Cart acts as a mobile
resource drop-off point. The Ox Cart can save you time and
resources this way; just imagine the time and cost it would
save you from using the Ox Cart as opposed to building the
numerous stationary resource drop-off points around your big
piece of land.
Instead of worshipping at a Temple to gain Favor, like the
Greeks, the Norse gains Favor by hunting and engaging in war.
Norse Hero, the Hersir, is able to gain Favor faster than the
other units.
Atlanteans
----------
The Atlanteans, much like the Norse, benefit in resource gathering
because the villagers don't need to walk to a resource drop-
off point, because they have pack donkeys to drop their resources
in (Norse have Ox Carts). To balance this, the developers have made
the Atlantean villagers more expensive to create.
Unlike the other cultures, the Atlanteans don't have the Hero
units but rather have the ability to turn a unit into a Hero. This
is, however, a very expensive thing to do, so you will want to use
this power sparingly. Try to use this when its incredibly
important, such as you're being attacked by a large force of
Mythological units; your newly-upgraded (Hero) units will benefit
from their bonus damage against those Mythological units.
Unlike the other cultures, the Atlanteans don't gain Favor from
the Gods by worshipping at a Temple, for example, but rather
by constructing new Town Centers atop Settlements. If you build
two new Town Centers you will gain Favor faster than you build
just one, so you should consider expansion.
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Greek Mythology
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Each Major Greek God gives you four (or in the case of Poseidon, five)
Heroes. Heroes are created at the Town Center. You get a new Hero with
each Age-advance.
The Greeks are the only culture to have direct control over the rate at
which they can gain Favor from the Gods. Greeks gain Favor by
worshipping at a Temple; the more worshippers, the faster your Favor
will increase. The Temple allows you to research several units and
technologies, which require Favor, in addition to the typical calls
for Gold & Food. If you choose Zeus, you start off with Favor, gain
Favor faster, and have an increased Favor cap of 200.
Gaea, or the earth, was the first deity of the Greek cosmological order,
born of the chaos that reigned before life. She gave birth to Uranus
(the heavens), and together they conceived giants, cyclopses, and titans.
Uranus was not pleased with his monstrous offspring, so he locked all his
children away deep within the earth.
And Gaea was not pleased with Uranus for this. So she enlisted the titan
Kronos to attack his ungrateful father and seize power. But Kronos was an
even less tolerant father than Uranus, and was soon dealt the same blow by
his own son Zeus. And with Zeus' ascension to power, so begins the Greek
era of the Olympians.
Now controlling the entire cosmos, Zeus decided to divide the spoils
between his brothers Poseidon and Hades. The drawing of lots decided that
Zeus would retain his title as ruler of the gods, while Poseidon would take
possession of the seas. Hades was left with control of the underworld, and
felt slighted, but there he ruled nonetheless, an angry and jealous deity.
Meanwhile, Zeus' marriage to Hera (the goddess of marriage and community)
was not going well. His many affairs left her as angry and jealous as
Hades, but she never openly challenged Zeus, and took her frustrations out
upon other enemies instead.
Still, the pair had many children. Zeus showed open favoritism toward
Athena, who became the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Unlike her brother
Ares (the god of warfare), Athena was judicious and benevolent, choosing
her battles to promote civilization and advancement. To Ares it was
irrelevant which side prevailed in a battle; he only wanted ample
bloodshed to assuage a violent nature. Ares even took his children -
Phobos (fear), Deimos (terror), and Enyo (horror) - into battle with him.
But Ares was cowardly and quick to flee when things turned against him,
and was even publicly mocked by his own brother Hephaestus.
Hephaestus (god of the forge and blacksmiths) had caught Ares having an
affair with his wife. While said to be the ugliest of all deities, somehow
Hephaestus married Aphrodite, the very goddess of love and beauty. But she
rarely reciprocated his love, preferring instead the war god, Ares.
Meanwhile, Zeus continued to have extramarital trysts of his own, many
of which bore offspring - most famously Artemis (goddess of archery) and
Apollo. God of wisdom, truth, music, the sun and among other things,
healing, Apollo proved to be one of the most revered Olympians. A
childhood act of goodwill set the precedent for Apollo: a giant serpent
called Python greedily guarded the Oracle at Delphi (a well from which
sprang prophecies of the future). The serpent ravaged the nearby
countryside, poisoning rivers and wells, destroying crops, and razing
entire villages. The young Apollo defeated Python and liberated the
Oracle.
Despite his good nature, Apollo was not always treated with respect,
especially by his half-brother Hermes. Fleet of foot with winged sandals,
Hermes was the messenger to all Olympian gods. But he was mischievous as
well - and even while still wrapped in swaddling, he stole cattle from
Apollo. Apollo demanded their return, but ended up giving in to Hermes as
a result of his skill of the lyre. Hermes thus became the god of music.
In any case, Zeus did not limit his trysts to goddesses - mortal women also
appealed to him. One such mortal was Semele, whom Zeus "visited" in the
night as a divine presence. Semele did not know who the father was, but
was pleased to have coupled with deity, and bore the child Dionysus, god
of wine and celebration.
This naturally disturbed Hera, whose jealousies over Zeus' affairs never
abated. She convinced Semele to uncover who the father was, even while
knowing that no mortal woman could survive an encounter seeing Zeus in the
flesh. Semele was killed.
But Hera was not yet satisfied, and even had Dionysus murdered. Rhea
brought him back to life and Zeus was forced to enrage Hera further by
extending Dionysus divine protection.
The following chart reveals the Minor Gods from which you must choose,
according to your Major Gods, at each Age advance.
MAJOR GOD CLASSICAL AGE HEROIC AGE MYTHIC AGE
Zeus Athena, Hermes Apollo, Dionysus Hephaestus, Hera
Poseidon Ares, Hermes Aphrodite, Dionysus Artemis,
Hephaestus
Hades Ares, Athena Aphrodite, Apollo Artemis,
Hephaestus
Below are the Greek Major & Minor Gods.
ZEUS
----
Description: The youngest son of the Titans Kronos and Rheia, he was
hidden by his mother when Kronos learned of the prophecy that one of
his sons would supplant him as ruler of the world. When fully grown,
Zeus forced his father to regurgitate his other children that he had
swallowed, and then Zeus led a revolt against the Titans, who were
banished to Tartarus, below even the underworld. Zeus and his two
brothers drew lots to decide each god’s part of the world. Zeus drew
the heavens, and supreme rule over all the gods and humankind.
Zeus was always considered a weather god, with lightning, thunder,
rain, and thunderstorms attributed to him. Later he became associated
with justice and the law. He could shape-shift, taking the shape of
any object or living thing, and he used this ability in his
seductions. Although he took his sister Hera as his wife, he seduced
many other goddesses and mortal women, siring many children who
became prominent in Greek mythology. There were many statues erected
in Zeus’ honor, the most magnificent being the colossal statue of
Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The
Olympic Games were held originally in his honor.
Bonuses: Greeks start with 15 Favor with a cap at 200
Villagers generate Favor 37.5% faster
Hoplites move 12% faster
Infantry do twice the damage to buildings
Bolt God Power - Bolt of lightning that kills single unit instantly
|_ Zeus's God Power calls a bolt from the heavens to smite any single
unit, except for Titans, Transports, and Ox Carts.
To use Bolt, select the Bolt icon at the top of the screen, and
then left-click the unit that you want the bolt to strike. You
must have line of sight to the unit.
Olympic Parent Improvement - Heroes receive 25% Hit Point Bonus
|_ Many Greek heroes were half-mortal children of the Olympians,
the Greek gods. Zeus was the most notorious philanderer in the
Greek pantheon and sired many of the gods themselves -- and
some of the most famous heroes of Greek mythology: Heracles,
Perseus, the twin Argonauts Castor and Pollux. These heroes
accomplished amazing tasks because of their divine heritage,
but often faced divine wrath when the gods fought amongst
themselves, as they often did, striking out at the children of
their enemies.
ATHENA - Classical Age
------
Description: The goddess of wisdom, crafts, justice, and war, she is
often associated with a shield for war, the owl for wisdom, or the olive
tree. When Athena and Poseidon vied to be the patron of a prominent
city, they held a contest to see who could give the city the finest
gift. Poseidon provided a well, but it produced salty water. Athena
gave the olive tree that provided food, oil, and wood. The city took
the name Athens.
Athena had a prominent role in Homer’s epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey,
serving as Odysseus’ patron throughout his long voyage. In addition to
sponsoring warriors and heroes, she introduced many skills necessary
for civilization. In an unusual but not unique birth, she sprang from
Zeus’ head fully grown and ready for battle. Legends say that Zeus had
prevented a normal birth of a son with Athena’s abilities, who he
feared would unseat him. Although she was a protector of human heroes,
she maintained a distance from male gods whom she perhaps found
unworthy of her. Athena’s companion was Nike, the goddess of victory.
Restoration God Power - Heals friendly units/buildings in the target area.
|_ Athena's healing touch affects all allied units and buildings in
a small area. As long as the light shines down, units in the area
will regain hitpoints.
To use Restoration, left click on the Restoration icon, then target
anywhere on the map. Using Restoration during a fight can prolong
the life of your armies. Using it while a town is under attack
can save your buildings.
"Of Pallas Athena, guardian of the city, I begin to sing. Dread is
she, and with Ares she loves deeds of war, the sack of cities and
the shouting and the battle. It is she who saves the people as
they go out to war and come back. Hail, goddess, and give us good
fortune with happiness!"
-- Homeric Hymn to Athena
Minotaur Mythological Unit
|_ King Minos prayed to Poseidon to send him a snow-white bull as
a sign he was fit to rule Crete. He promised to sacrifice
the animal, but when it appeared, he kept it for his own. In
retribution, Poseidon caused Minos' wife to fall in love with
the bull. Their offspring was the Minotaur, a beast with the
head of a bull and the body of a man. Minos had a huge labyrinth
constructed under Crete where the Minotaur could be kept. Each
year seven boys and seven girls were sent into the maze to be
eaten by the beast. Eventually the Minotaur was slain by Theseus
who unraveled a ball of twine as he moved into the labyrinth so
he could find his way out.
The legend of the minotaur may have originated because of the
important of the bull in Minoan ritual. Minoan buildings were
adorned with bull horns, and their hourglass shields covered
with bull hide. Early frescoes show Minoan youths leaping over
the horns of bulls as a form of sport.
Aegis Shield Improvement - Infantry have -10% Pierce Vulnerability
|_ The Aegis was a magical shield that officially belonged to
Zeus, but he usually allowed his favorite child, Athena, to
carry it. The shield was fringed and covered with scales and
often adorned with a medusa head. It may have been the shield
Perseus used to reflect the Medusa's image, thereby avoiding
her gaze. Some myths depict the Aegis as a cloak, or a shield
that could convert to a cloak. Like much of the armament of
the Olympians, it was forged by Hephaestus.
Sarissa Improvement - Hoplites have -10% Hack Vulnerability
|_ Although often referred to as the goddess of wisdom, Athena's
realm more accurately extended to technology, and the
development of the sarissa qualifies as one of the greatest
achievements in military technology. While Greek infantry
used 8-10' long spears for centuries, Alexander the Great
refined its use for the Greek phalanx, creating a 16-20'
long, two-handed pike called a sarissa. Macedonian phalanxes
armed with sarissas dominated Mediterranean warfare until
the rise of Rome.
Labyrinth of Minos Improvement - Minotaurs cost -25% Food and have +40% HP
|_ Minos, the Minoan king of Crete, imprisoned the minotaur in a
complex labyrinth designed by Daedalus, the famous Athenian
inventor. The labyrinth was so skillfully designed that none
could escape before they were devoured by the minotaur. None but
Theseus, that is, who, aided by Minos' daughter Ariadne, was able
to find his way by unraveling thread to mark his route. Minos
was so enraged that he imprisoned Daedauls in the labyrinth, but
Daedauls escaped by fashioning bird wings of wax. Upon his death,
Minos was made one of the judges of Hades.
The Minoan palace at Knossos had an elaborate floorplan and may
have led to the myth of the labyrinth.
HERMES - Classical Age
------
Description: The messenger of the gods, Hermes wore a winged cap and
winged shoes. He presided over shepherds, trade, land travel, literature,
athletics, oratory, and even thieving -- any activity requiring agility.
He was known for his cunning and shrewdness, and as the inventor of the
lyre, the flute, and the pan-pipes. He is credited with the invention of
foot-racing, wrestling, and boxing. He guided the souls of the dead
to the underworld. In early accounts he is a patron of fertility or
luck. Later he was associated with roads. Road markers, called herms,
bore a representation of Hermes. Similar markers outside homes
warded off evil. He used his ingenuity to save heroes on several
occasions, including Odysseus twice.
Ceasefire God Power - Stops all combat for 60 seconds
|_ Ceasefire prevents all combat on the entire map for its duration.
Enemy units will not be able to damage your units or buildings.
In addition, no one can build any building that attacks, though
other types of buildings are allowed.
To call a temporary Ceasefire, left click the Ceasefire icon and
then left click anywhere on the map.
Centaur Mythological Unit
|_ Half-man and half-horse, Centaurs are usually seen with
torso and head of a man and the body of a horse, but different
descriptions exist. They were notorious for showing up uninvited
to outdoor celebrations (for a creature that large they seemed to
have had trouble holding their liquor) and for abducting women,
especially young maidens. Because of their drunkenness and
inclination toward violence, most were driven to the mountains
of Thessaly. Chiron, the centaur that educated Achilles was an
exception. Centaurs are usually depicted carrying a bow.
Spirated Charge Improvement - Cavalry have +10% Speed/Attack
|_ Hermes was known for his speed and athleticism and was said to
have invented the race as a competitive sport. Statues of Hermes
were positioned at gymnasiums and stadiums throughout Greece.
Greek cavalry could not truly charge, as their saddles did not
have the stirrups which allowed later medieval cavalry to brace
the impact of a lance against the weight of a mount.
Sylvan Lore Improvement - Centaurs have +25% HP, +30% Speed
|_ Although Hermes was associated more with music and travel than
with sylvan environment, he was the father of Pan (with Dryope),
who was the Greek god of wooded areas and fields. Pan's mother
fled at the sight of him, but Hermes took Pan up to Olympus,
where he entertained the gods as a jester.
Winged Messenger Improvement - Pegasus costs 0 Food, has +6 LOS, Trains 50%
| Faster
|_ Hermes was the messenger of the gods, a job made easier by the
winged sandals that Hermes wore. He lent the sandals to Perseus
when the hero fought the sea monster that threatened Andromeda.
APOLLO - Heroic Age
------
Description: The god of music, archery (only as sport), medicine,
colonization, herds, and divination, he represents many of the better
qualities of humankind, including order, intelligence, rationalization,
and an appreciation for the finer things. He could cause or cure the
plague. He established the oracle at Delphi and perhaps the city of
Troy. He is often perceived as the perfect male. Apollo and his twin
sister Artemis were fathered by Zeus and born of the Titan Leto,
necessarily incurring the wrath of Zeus’ wife Hera, who did all she
could to prevent the twins from being born. Apollo was also well
known for his love affairs with beautiful mortals of both sexes, including
among them Calliope, Coronis and Daphne. Apollo's Oracle at Delphi
was well known throughout the Mediterranean. Apollo is closely
associated with the sun, or at least with Helios, the Greek sun god.
Underworld Passage God Power - Allows units to travel between two points
| on the map instantly
|_ Apollo's God Power creates a permanent (until destroyed) tunnel
through the Underworld, which may be used to travel almost
instantly from one point to another on the map.
To use the Underworld Passage, left click on the Underworld Passage
icon, then left click where you want one end of the passage to be.
Left click again in a different location to place the other end of
the Underworld passage.
Place one end in your town and the other end in an ally's town to
allow quick reinforcements and speedy retreats. Use it to circumvent
walls and defenses or even place one end deep in enemy territory
for a sneak attack. The passage remains in place as long as the
entrance and exit are intact.
Manticore Mythological Unit
|_ The Manticore probably came into Greek mythology from
Persia and originated in tales about far away and exotic India.
The beast had the body of a red lion, a human face (with blue eyes
and human ears), three rows of teeth, a stinging poisonous tail,
and poisonous spines that could be shot like arrows in any
direction. Its voice was like a mixture of pipes and trumpets.
It was fast and capable of great leaps. When villagers vanished
without a trace, it was believed they were devoured by a manticore.
Oracle Improvement - All units and buildings gain +6 LOS
|_ One of the reasons for Apollo's prominence in Greek mythology
was his Oracle at Delphi, who could predict the future. Apollo
established the oracle when he rid Delphi of the serpent,
Python. Apollo dedicated a bronze tripod to the sanctuary
there, and bestowed divine powers on the priestess. The
priestess, known as the Pythia, would chew on laurel leaves and
inhale the hallucinating vapors issuing from the temple floor,
while mumbling prophecies that had to be translated by attendant
male priests.
Sun Ray Improvement - Archers, Centaurs and Manticores gain +10% attack
|_ Apollo was known as "Phoebus," the "radiant," and had a close
connection to Helios, the sun god. Apollo is often shown holding
a bow and arrow symbolizing the sun's rays, as he was the god of
archery (as art, not for warfare or hunting).
Temple of Heating Improvement - Temples heal a single unit at a time
|_ Idle units heal much faster than those moving or engaged in
combat. Some units, such as undead, Titans, or the dragon,
Nidhogg, cannot be healed.
Apollo was the father of Asclepius, the god of medicine, whose
symbol, the cadeuses, is still used as a symbol for medicine
today (though is often portrayed as the winged staff of Hermes's,
not the serpent-entwined staff of Asclepius).
"I begin to sing of Asclepius, son of Apollo and healer of
sicknesses. In the Dotian plain fair Koronis, daughter of King
Phlegyas, bare him, a great joy to men, a soother of cruel
pangs. and so hail to you, lord: in my song I make my prayer to
thee!"
--Homeric Hymn XVI
DIONYSUS - Heroic Age
--------
Description: The god of wine, the theater, agriculture, the fertility
of nature, and mysteries, he is usually seen with grape vines, ivy, or
a panther. Unlike most Greek gods, who are normally portrayed as bright
creatures of the light, Dionysus is mysterious and shadowy. His followers
revel in mad behavior, drunkenness, and death. Because of his differences,
Dionysus may have been a melding of Greek and Asian attributes.
He was the patron of the Maenads, wild women who worshipped him and
roamed the mountains shouting and hunting wild animals. He was also
the patron of mystery cults, of which we know very little today. The
greatest mystery associated with Dionysus is that at one point he
was believed slain, but then reborn, a very unusual circumstance for
an immortal god.
Bronze God Power - Increases the armor of mortal units for a little while
|_ This Heroic Age God Power temporarily armors units in the area
with solid bronze, making them nearly invulnerable to enemy weapons
for a short time. Enemies are not affected.
To use Bronze, select the Bronze icon at the top of the screen and
left click near the units you want bronzed.
Hydra Mythological Unit
|_ Another of the fierce offspring of Echinda and Typhon,
the Hydra was a large serpent with multiple heads and poisonous
breath. Killing the Hydra near the city of Lerna in Argolis was
the second of Heracles’ twelve tasks. Each time he cut off one
of the Hydra’s heads, however, two more grew back. A nephew
helped him by cauterizing each wound as a head was lopped off.
The last head was immortal, so Heracles buried it under a large
rock. Once the beast’s body was dead, Heracles dipped his
arrowheads into its blood, giving them extra potency.
Scylla Mythological Unit
|_ A terrifying sea monster with six serpent heads and a ring
of barking dogs around her waist, Scylla guarded one side of the
straits of Messina, between Sicily and Italy. The dogs alerted her
when a ship was passing so she could seize sailors. Scylla was
originally a beautiful nymph who was transformed by the jealous
sorceress Circe.
Anastrophe Improvement - Pentekonters have +20% attack, move 10% faster
| and train 25% faster
|_ The anastrophe was a surprise maneuver used by Trireme captains
to suddenly change directions and attempt to ram.
Bacchanalia Improvement - Improves the HP of all units by 5%
|_ As god of wine, Dionysus' festivals with his followers were full
of joy and celebration. However, there was a darker side to these
events as well. Dionysus was also representative of untamed
natural forces, and in a drunken, wild state, Dionysus' followers
would be driven to bloody deeds and kill with their bare hands.
Thracian Horses Improvement - Cavalry have +20% HP
|_ When Dionysus was young and wandered Earth as a mortal, his growing
cult was opposed by King Lycurgus of Thrace. Dionysus drove Lycurgus
mad, so that he chopped up his own son with an axe, believing he
was pruning a vine. Eventually his own subjects caused Lycurgus to
be torn to pieces by wild horses.
HERA - Mythic Age
----
Description: The queen of the Olympian deities. She is a daughter of
Cronus and Rhea, and wife and sister of Zeus. Hera was mainly worshipped
as a goddess of marriage and birth. It is said that each year Hera's
virginity returns by bathing in the well Canathus. The children of
Hera and Zeus are the smith-god Hephaestus, the goddess of youth
Hebe, and the god of war Ares. According to some sources, however,
her children were conceived without the help of a man, either by
slapping her hand on the ground or by eating lettuce: thus they were
born, not out of love but out of lust and hatred.
She punished her rivals and their children, among both goddesses and
mortals, with implacable fury. She placed two serpents in the cradle
of Heracles; she had Io guarded by a hundred-eyed giant; she drove
the foster-parents of Dionysus mad, and tried to prevent the birth
of Apollo and Artemis. Even Zeus usually could not stand up to her.
Sometimes when he got angry, he chained her to the mountain of Olympus
by fastening anvils to her feet. However, most of the time Zeus
resorted to stratagems: he either hid his illegitimate children, or
he changed them into animals.
Hera's main sanctuary was at Argos in the Peloponnesus, where she was
worshipped as the town goddess. Also, in this town the Heraia, public
festivities, were celebrated. Other temples stood in Olympia, Mycene,
Sparta, Paestum, Corinth, Tiryns, Perachora, and on the islands of
Samos and Delos.
Lightning Storm God Power - Damages large numbers of units over a wide area
|_ Hera's God Power calls down a storm of lightning bolts that strike
all enemy units in the area. In addition, the bolts may strike
buildings or trees, but do much more damage against units. Quick
enemies may be able to escape the storm, which covers a large area
but does not move.
To call this mighty storm, left click on the Lightning Storm icon
at the top of the screen, then left click where you want the storm
to strike. You must have line of sight to the targeted area.
Carcinos Mythological Unit
|_ During Heracles' battle with the hydra, Hera summoned a crab to
attack Heracles and aid the hydra. Although Heracles defeated
both hydra and crab, Hera rewarded the crustacean by placing it
as a constellation up in the night sky. Latin for "crab" is
"cancer," and in Greek it is "Karkinos" -- from where derives
the word "carcinogen."
Medusa Mythological Unit
|_ Medusa was one of three sisters known as the Gorgons, children
of sea gods with live sea snakes for hair, scaly necks, boar-like
tusks, golden hands, and bronze wings. One tale is that Medusa
was once a beautiful maid who boasted of being more beautiful
than Athena, who turned her into a monster so ugly that those
who gazed upon her were turned to stone. She was killed by
Perseus, with the help of Athena and Hermes. From her blood
was created the winged horse, Pegasus. Her head was used as
a weapon to kill the sea monster Cetus and then the head was
mounted on Athena's shield.
Athenian Wall Improvement - Increases the HP of all buildings by 30%,
| walls by 10%
|_ The Long Walls of Athens are attributed to the architect
Callicrates. The Long Walls stretched from Athens itself to the
harbor at Piraeus, a distance of over 7 miles. The walls were
formed of large blocks of stone stacked over 60' high and 12'
thick. In the absence of powerful siege artillery, Athens was
virtually impregnable except by the sea, which was defended
by the famous Athenian navy.
Face of the Gorgon - Medusa gains +33% HP
|_ While Medusa is the most famous of the Gorgons, there were
actually many of them, though only three are named in Greek
mythology: Medusa, Euryale and Stenno. Only Medusa was mortal.
The Gorgons were monstrous creatures covered with scales, hair
of living serpents, hands of brass, and sharp fangs. It is not
always clear if it was seeing the horrid visage of a Gorgon or
meeting their gaze that could turn the viewer to stone. The
Gorgons lived far to the west where they guarded an entrance
to the underworld.
Monstrous Rage Improvement - All myth units gain +25% to all damage types
|_ Hera's implacable fury was well-known, especially against the
various extramarital lovers of Zeus and their children. She placed
serpents in the cradle of Heracles, sent a hundred-eyed giant to
watch over Io, and tried to prevent the births of Athena and
Artemis. As punishment for the madness she imbued upon Heracles
that caused him to kill his parents, Zeus chained Hera to Olympus
with anvils tied around her ankles.
HEPHAESTUS - Mythic Age
----------
Description: The god of fire, volcanoes, blacksmiths, and metal working,
he had a strong following in the cities where his skills were important to
commerce and war. He is usually seen with an axe. In one account he
sided with his mother Hera against Zeus who threw him so far that he
fell all day and limped thereafter. Hephaestus was associated with
Mt. Etna on the island of Sicily. In his workshop he fashioned many
wondrous things for the gods, including thunderbolts for Zeus,
Athena’s shield, arrows for Eros, and the chariot with which Helios
the sun god rode across the sky. He also helped create the first
human woman from clay, named Pandora, who released the evils of the
world on humankind from her magic jar.
Plenty God Power - Creates a vault which constantly generates food, wood,
| and gold.
|_ Hephaestus' God Power creates a wondrous, mythical Vault that
grants a constant flow of Food, Wood, and Gold.
To erect the Vault of Plenty, left click on the Plenty icon, then
left click where you wish to place the Vault. The gods favor the
strong -- if an enemy has more units or buildings near the vault
than you, then you will lose control of the vault and the enemy
will get the flow of resources. Place the Vault carefully, and
then defend it well.
Colossus Mythological Unit
|_ The Great Colossus at Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. It stood over 150 ft. high on a 50 ft. white
marble base. It was mostly hollow, with a skin of bronze
welded to a skeleton frame of stone and metal. Though it
was destroyed by an earthquake after standing for only about
fifty years, such was its enormity that people came to Rhodes
just to see its ruins, just as people today visit the ruins of
other Greek monuments, buildings and temples.
Forge Of Olympus Improvement - Armory technologies cost 75% less
|_ As the smith of the Greek gods, Hephaestus forged many great items
for the other gods, such as the thunderbolts of Zeus, Aegis Shield,
arrows of Eros, chariot of Helios and armor of Achilles. He even
helped to create the first woman, Pandora, of clay. Hephaestus
also created items used against the gods when he was wronged,
such as a throne that held Hera prisoner when she cast him out
of Olympus for being so ugly, and a chain-link net used to trap
his wife, Aphrodite, when he suspected her of cheating on him
with Ares.
Hand of Talos Improvement - Colossus gains +100 HP
|_ One of Zeus' many lovers was a mortal woman named Europa. In
the form of a white bull, Zeus spirited her away to the isle
of Crete, where she had 3 sons. Zeus had Hephaestus forge a
giant of iron to defend Europa and the island. Talos was
powered by a single blood vein that ran from his throat to
his ankle. The vein was sealed with a pin at the ankle.
Shoulder of Talos Improvement - Colossus gains +200 HP, -20% hack damage
| Vulnerability
|_ On the return voyage of Jason and the Argonauts, they needed to
stop and resupply on the Isle of Crete, but the sorcerous Medea
warned them of Talos. When Talos appeared and began to throw
rocks at the Argo, Medea played her lyre to coax him to sleep.
She then pulled out the bronze pin that held in his blood and
the giant collapsed. Jason and his men could then collect food
and water before continuing their voyage.
Weapon of the Titans Improvement - Unique units gain +10% attack
|_ The Titans created and ruled the Earth before their children,
the Olympians, overthrew them. They wielded the raw power of
the elements: Light, Earth, Time, Water, Fire. The children
of the Titans, the Olympians, wielded fantastic, if more
conventional, weapons forged by the club-footed god Hephaestus
or cyclops smiths.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
POSEIDON
--------
Description: The third son of Kronos and the brother of Zeus and Hades,
he drew the seas as his domain to rule. He was known also as the god of
earthquakes and the god of horses. The symbols most often associated
with Poseidon were the trident and dolphin. Sailors relied upon him
for favorable winds and safe voyages, but he was moody. Despite
sacrifices including drowned horses, he could cause storms, bad
winds, and earthquakes at a whim. Like Zeus, he projected his power
and masculinity on women, fathering many children.
In a famous contest between himself and Athena to decide which of
the two would be the patron god of Athens, he threw a spear into
the ground to create the Spring of the Acropolis. Athena surpassed
him, however, by creating the olive tree. He often used water and
earthquakes to exact revenge, but could be cooperative as well. He
greatly aided the Greeks in the Trojan War, but took years of
revenge on Odysseus, who had harmed one of Poseidon's Cyclops
offspring.
Bonuses: Cavalry cost 10% less
Stables cost 25% less
Market use cost only 10%
When Poseidon's buildings are destroyed, miltia emerge from
the rubble
Gains a Hippocampus at the dock when a temple is built
Lure God Power - Draws animals closer for villagers to hunt.
|_ Poseidon's God Power creates a mythical stone to which animals
are drawn. The magnet draws huntable, herdable and predatory
animals alike, so be cautious when placing it close to your
Villagers. It will only summon a certain amount of Food, so
once a maximum number of animals reaches the Lure, it will
crumble to pieces. Careful placement of the Lure can ensure
that the Food bonanza it provides gets to you quickly.
To use Lure, left click the icon at the top of the screen,
then left click where you want the stone to appear. Be
careful where you place it because any predators that arrive
may attack your Villagers.
Lord of the Horses Improvement - Cavalry have +4 LOS
|_ In addition to his more familiar role as lord of the sea, Poseidon
was also the god of horses. He sometimes adopted the form of a
horse when pursuing mortal women, which may account for the fact
that some of his children were horses, including Arion, one of
the steeds of Achilles. It is not known if Poseidon appeared as
a horse when he seduced Medusa, but when she was killed, she
produced the winged horse, Pegasus.
"Lord Poseidon, from you this pride is ours. The strong horses,
the young horses, and also the rule of the deep." -- source Unknown
ARES - Classical Age
----
Description: The Greek god of war, he is usually seen with a spear, the
preferred weapon of Greek Hoplites. He was tall and handsome, but vain
and cruel. He was preoccupied with war and battles, quick to rush into
a fight, reveled in bloodshed, and heedless of who won or lost. He was
worshipped most strongly in regions like Thrace, where the people were
particularly fierce. There was one exception to his obsession with
war: he was smitten by Aphrodite and had a long running affair with
her. Homer recounts in the Odyssey a tale of the sun god Helios spotting
the pair enjoying each other’s charms and reporting their tryst to
Hephaestus, Aphrodite’s husband. The great smith fashioned a special
net in which he caught the pair locked in their passionate embrace. He
offered to exhibit the netted pair to the gods of Olympus, but the women
demurred. Homer says that many of the male gods offered to switch places
with Ares.
Pestilence God Power - Halt production at enemy buildings in the target area
|_ This Classical Age God Power called by Ares prevents enemy military
buildings from training new soldiers within its area of effect.
Enemies can still train new units outside of the area of effect.
Allied units are not affected, and neither are economic buildings,
such as Town Centers.
To invoke a Pestilence, left click on the Pestilence God Power at
the top of the screen, and then left click anywhere on the map.
You must have line of sight to use this power.
Cyclops Mythological Unit
|_ Giants with one central eye, the Cyclopes were storm gods in
early Greek mythology. In some tales they became smiths and
worked with Hephaestus on Zeus’ thunderbolts. In other tales
there were only three Cyclopes, representing thunder, lightning,
and a thunderbolt. In classical Greece, the "lesser cyclopes" were
seen as the sons of Poseidon, bestial and violent, who were avoided
and feared. There were also wise and powerful "elder Cyclopes" that
were the sons of Kronos.
Deimos' Sword Improvement - Hypaspists have +15% attack
|_ Deimos, also called Fear, was one of the sons of Ares and
Aphrodite. He followed Ares in battle, along with his brother,
Phobos. Deimos is a personification of emotion and does not
appear as an actual character in any Greek myths.
Enyo's Bow Improvement - Toxotes have +10% attack
|_ Enyo, the personification of strife and discord, was also known
as Eris, and was the daughter of Ares. She delighted in bloody
battlefields, and was known as the Sacker of Cities, and appeared
in Troy when the city fell to the Greeks. In some myths, Enyo
produced the Golden Apple that began the Trojan War.
"Yet these charged forth -- they could not choose but so, for
Strife and deadly Enyo in their midst stalked, like the fell
Erinyes to behold, breathing destruction from their lips like
flame."
-- Quintus, The Fall of Troy
Phobos' Spear Improvement - Hoplites have +10% attack
|_ Phobos, or Terror, was one of the sons of Ares and Aphrodite.
He accompanied his father into battle. Phobos is more of an
abstraction than an actual god and does not appear in any Greek
myths.
"In the centre was Phobos (Fear) worked in adamant, unspeakable,
staring backwards with eyes that glowed with fire. His mouth was
full of teeth in a white row, fearful and daunting, and upon his
grim brow hovered frightful Eris (Strife) who arrays the throng
of men ..."
-- Hesiod, Shield of Heracles
Will of Kronos Improvement - Cyclopes have +50% hack damage, double
| crush damage, train 25% faster
|_ Greek mythology makes a distinction between the "lesser" Cyclopes,
who were the sons of Poseidon, and the "elder" Cyclopes, who were
children of Kronos. Their names were given as Arges, Brontes,
Steropes, Euryalos, Elatreus, Trakhios and Halimedes. The Elder
Cyclopes were known as craftsmen and builders, and were so feared
for their great strength that they were kept locked in Tartarus.
"After ten years of fighting Ge prophesied a victory for Zeus if
he were to secure the prisoners down in Tartarus as his allies.
He thereupon slew their jail-keeper Kampe, and freed them from
their bonds. In return the Cyclopes gave Zeus thunder, lightning,
and a thunderbolt, as well as a helmet for Hades and a trident
for Poseidon. Armed with these the three gods overpowered the
Titans, confined them in Tartaros, and put the Hekatonkheires
in charge of guarding them."
-- Apollodorus
HERMES - Classical Age
------
Description: The messenger of the gods, Hermes wore a winged cap and
winged shoes. He presided over shepherds, trade, land travel, literature,
athletics, oratory, and even thieving -- any activity requiring agility.
He was known for his cunning and shrewdness, and as the inventor of the
lyre, the flute, and the pan-pipes. He is credited with the invention of
foot-racing, wrestling, and boxing. He guided the souls of the dead
to the underworld. In early accounts he is a patron of fertility or
luck. Later he was associated with roads. Road markers, called herms,
bore a representation of Hermes. Similar markers outside homes
warded off evil. He used his ingenuity to save heroes on several
occasions, including Odysseus twice.
Ceasefire God Power - Stops all combat for 60 seconds
|_ Ceasefire prevents all combat on the entire map for its duration.
Enemy units will not be able to damage your units or buildings.
In addition, no one can build any building that attacks, though
other types of buildings are allowed.
To call a temporary Ceasefire, left click the Ceasefire icon and
then left click anywhere on the map.
Centaur Mythological Unit
|_ Half-man and half-horse, Centaurs are usually seen with
torso and head of a man and the body of a horse, but different
descriptions exist. They were notorious for showing up uninvited
to outdoor celebrations (for a creature that large they seemed to
have had trouble holding their liquor) and for abducting women,
especially young maidens. Because of their drunkenness and
inclination toward violence, most were driven to the mountains
of Thessaly. Chiron, the centaur that educated Achilles was an
exception. Centaurs are usually depicted carrying a bow.
Spirated Charge Improvement - Cavalry have +10% Speed/Attack
|_ Hermes was known for his speed and athleticism and was said to
have invented the race as a competitive sport. Statues of Hermes
were positioned at gymnasiums and stadiums throughout Greece.
Greek cavalry could not truly charge, as their saddles did not
have the stirrups which allowed later medieval cavalry to brace
the impact of a lance against the weight of a mount.
Sylvan Lore Improvement - Centaurs have +25% HP, +30% Speed
|_ Although Hermes was associated more with music and travel than
with sylvan environment, he was the father of Pan (with Dryope),
who was the Greek god of wooded areas and fields. Pan's mother
fled at the sight of him, but Hermes took Pan up to Olympus,
where he entertained the gods as a jester.
Winged Messenger Improvement - Pegasus costs 0 Food, has +6 LOS, Trains 50%
| Faster
|_ Hermes was the messenger of the gods, a job made easier by the
winged sandals that Hermes wore. He lent the sandals to Perseus
when the hero fought the sea monster that threatened Andromeda.
Aphrodite - Heroic Age
---------
Description: The goddess of love, beauty, and sexual rapture, her name
derives from the word for sea foam. In one story, she was born when
Kronos the Titan was castrated and his genitals were thrown into the
ocean. The sea began to roil and from the foam Aphrodite took shape.
In contrast, Homer says she was the daughter of Zeus and Dione.
Regardless of her ancestry, she was beautiful beyond words.
Seeking Olympian tranquility, Zeus gave Aphrodite in marriage to
hard-working and reliable Hephaestus. With his metal working skills
he fashioned for her wonderful jewels, including a golden magical
girdle. The combination of her personal charms and her jewels made
her irresistible. She took advantage of her gifts, loving glamour and
flirting, and was not particularly happy with a dirty, boring husband.
She took many lovers, including Adonis, and bore several children,
including Eros. The festival of Aphrodisiac was celebrated, especially
in Athens and Corinth. Coupling with her priestesses was a form of
Aphrodite worship.
Curse God Power - Turn several enemy units into pigs
|_ Aphrodite's God Power turns a random number of Villagers and human
soldiers into Pigs. The weaker the units affected, the more units
can be affected.
To use Curse on your enemies, select the Curse icon at the top of
the screen, then left click near the enemy units you want to turn
into pigs. You must have line of sight to the enemy units you
wish to Curse.
Nemean Lion Mythological Unit
|_ A large and ferocious lion that lived on the plains of Nemea, it
terrorized the area and could not be killed by normal men, who
ran in fear from its mighty roar. The first labor of Heracles
was to kill the Nemean Lion. When Heracles discovered his arrows
and other weapons had no effect on the beast, the hero closed with
it and used his incredible strength to strangle it. He skinned
the beast and returned with its skin as a cloak. Heracles was
thereafter depicted wearing the cloak of the Nemean Lion.
Divine Blood Improvement - Villagers move 20% faster, carry 10 more
| resources, and construct buildings 20% faster
|_ Aphrodite's name means "foam-born," and according to mythology,
she rose from the sea near Cyprus after Oranos the Titan's severed
body parts were hurled into the ocean by Kronos. As the goddess of
beauty and passion, Aphrodite engaged in many trysts with mortals,
much like her foster father, Zeus. Prominent among these was
Aeneas, who would escape the burning city of Troy to eventually
found Rome.
Golden Apples Improvement - Villagers gather favor 15% faster
|_ Enyo, or Strife, the daughter of Ares decided to sow discord by
producing a golden apple inscribed "to the fairest". The goddesses
Athena, Hera and Aphrodite immediately began squabbling over for
which one of them the apple was intended. A shepherd named Paris
was chosen to answer the question. Athena offered him wisdom.
Hera offered him power. Aphrodite offered him the most beautiful
woman in the world. Paris chose Aphrodite. The most beautiful
woman in the world turned out to be Helen, wife of a prominent
Greek king, and her abduction began the Trojan War.
Roar of Orthus Improvement - Nemean Lion -50% pierce damage vulnerability,
| 20% hack damage vulnerability
|_ Echidna was a half-woman, half-snake mother of many monstrous
progeny, including Ladon (a dragon), the Hydra, the Chimera,
Orthus (a multi-headed dog) and Cerberus (the multi-headed dog
that guards the gates to Erebus). Echidna and Orthus had their
own foul brood, including the Greek Sphinx and Nemean Lion.
Orthus was guarding the cattle of Geryon when he was strangled
by Heracles.
DIONYSUS - Heroic Age
--------
Description: The god of wine, the theater, agriculture, the fertility
of nature, and mysteries, he is usually seen with grape vines, ivy, or
a panther. Unlike most Greek gods, who are normally portrayed as bright
creatures of the light, Dionysus is mysterious and shadowy. His followers
revel in mad behavior, drunkenness, and death. Because of his differences,
Dionysus may have been a melding of Greek and Asian attributes.
He was the patron of the Maenads, wild women who worshipped him and
roamed the mountains shouting and hunting wild animals. He was also
the patron of mystery cults, of which we know very little today. The
greatest mystery associated with Dionysus is that at one point he
was believed slain, but then reborn, a very unusual circumstance for
an immortal god.
Bronze God Power - Increases the armor of mortal units for a little while
|_ This Heroic Age God Power temporarily armors units in the area
with solid bronze, making them nearly invulnerable to enemy weapons
for a short time. Enemies are not affected.
To use Bronze, select the Bronze icon at the top of the screen and
left click near the units you want bronzed.
Hydra Mythological Unit
|_ Another of the fierce offspring of Echinda and Typhon,
the Hydra was a large serpent with multiple heads and poisonous
breath. Killing the Hydra near the city of Lerna in Argolis was
the second of Heracles’ twelve tasks. Each time he cut off one
of the Hydra’s heads, however, two more grew back. A nephew
helped him by cauterizing each wound as a head was lopped off.
The last head was immortal, so Heracles buried it under a large
rock. Once the beast’s body was dead, Heracles dipped his
arrowheads into its blood, giving them extra potency.
Scylla Mythological Unit
|_ A terrifying sea monster with six serpent heads and a ring
of barking dogs around her waist, Scylla guarded one side of the
straits of Messina, between Sicily and Italy. The dogs alerted her
when a ship was passing so she could seize sailors. Scylla was
originally a beautiful nymph who was transformed by the jealous
sorceress Circe.
Anastrophe Improvement - Pentekonters have +20% attack, move 10% faster
| and train 25% faster
|_ The anastrophe was a surprise maneuver used by Trireme captains
to suddenly change directions and attempt to ram.
Bacchanalia Improvement - Improves the HP of all units by 5%
|_ As god of wine, Dionysus' festivals with his followers were full
of joy and celebration. However, there was a darker side to these
events as well. Dionysus was also representative of untamed
natural forces, and in a drunken, wild state, Dionysus' followers
would be driven to bloody deeds and kill with their bare hands.
Thracian Horses Improvement - Cavalry have +20% HP
|_ When Dionysus was young and wandered Earth as a mortal, his growing
cult was opposed by King Lycurgus of Thrace. Dionysus drove Lycurgus
mad, so that he chopped up his own son with an axe, believing he
was pruning a vine. Eventually his own subjects caused Lycurgus to
be torn to pieces by wild horses.
ARTEMIS - Mythic Age
-------
Description: The goddess of the hunt and the protector of children, she
is often seen with her bow and with wild animals, or wandering in the
woods accompanied by nymphs. She and her twin brother, Apollo, were
children of Zeus and the Titan Leto. Artemis was said to be aloof and
free-spirited, free of husband and home, and forever a virgin. She
exacts complete and deadly retribution for those who transgressed
against the gods or herself. She turned the hunter Actaeon into a
stag that was torn apart by his own hunting dogs, all for accidentally
seeing her bathing. She was also believe to be responsible for the
deaths of women in childbirth.
Earthquake God Power - Damages enemy buildings and units
|_ Artemis calls forth the wrath of nature in a mighty Earthquake.
Every unit in the area is affected, though enemies take more
damage, and buildings are hurt much more than units. Farms take
very little damage.
To unleash the devastation, left click on the Earthquake icon at
the top of the screen, then left click where you want the center
of the Earthquake to be. You must have line of sight to target
Earthquake.
Chimera Mythological Unit
|_ The chimera is one of the varied offspring of Echidna (with the
torso of a beautiful woman and a horrible serpent below the
waist) and Typhon (a fire-breathing giant with 100 serpent
heads). The Chimera is a fire-breathing beast, usually depicted
with the body of a goat, the head of a lion, and tail of a
serpent. The Corinthian hero, Bellerophon, defeated the original
Lycian (a Greek kingdom in Asia Minor) chimera by flying into
battle on the winged horse, Pegasus.
Flames of Typhon Improvement - Chimerae have +30% attack, +20% HP,
| special attack does 30% more damage
|_ Typhon was a fire-breathing monster that dripped venom from his
eyes. The battle between the gods and Typhon was so destructive
that most of life on earth was killed. In the end, Typhon hurled
Mount Aetna at Zeus, but Zeus struck it with a hundred well-aimed
thunderbolts and pinned Typhon beneath the rubble. The monster
was never entirely killed, though, which is why Mount Aetna
still rumbles with earthquakes and lava. Typhon had many
offspring with the equally monstrous Echidna, including the Chimera.
Shafts of Plague Improvement - Arrows Archers have +15% attack
|_ Like her brother, Apollo, Artemis was said to be able to cause
plague by firing her arrows. The family of Niobe met with such a
death. Niobe made the foolish claim that she was superior to the
mother of Apollo and Artemis, Leto, for she had borne seven sons
and seven daughters, and Leto only two. Apollo then shot all
seven sons and Artemis all seven daughters.
Trierarch Improvement - Triremes have -20% crush damage vulnerability
|_ The Trierarch was the highest ranking officer on a trireme, and
also responsible for the cost and maintenance of his ship. He
was assisted by the Pentekontrarchos, who maintained the ship's
purse and records, the Kubernator, or pilot, and the Auletes,
who played a flute to keep rowers in rhythm.
HEPHAESTUS - Mythic Age
----------
Description: The god of fire, volcanoes, blacksmiths, and metal working,
he had a strong following in the cities where his skills were important to
commerce and war. He is usually seen with an axe. In one account he
sided with his mother Hera against Zeus who threw him so far that he
fell all day and limped thereafter. Hephaestus was associated with
Mt. Etna on the island of Sicily. In his workshop he fashioned many
wondrous things for the gods, including thunderbolts for Zeus,
Athena’s shield, arrows for Eros, and the chariot with which Helios
the sun god rode across the sky. He also helped create the first
human woman from clay, named Pandora, who released the evils of the
world on humankind from her magic jar.
Plenty God Power - Creates a vault which constantly generates food, wood,
| and gold.
|_ Hephaestus' God Power creates a wondrous, mythical Vault that
grants a constant flow of Food, Wood, and Gold.
To erect the Vault of Plenty, left click on the Plenty icon, then
left click where you wish to place the Vault. The gods favor the
strong -- if an enemy has more units or buildings near the vault
than you, then you will lose control of the vault and the enemy
will get the flow of resources. Place the Vault carefully, and
then defend it well.
Colossus Mythological Unit
|_ The Great Colossus at Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. It stood over 150 ft. high on a 50 ft. white
marble base. It was mostly hollow, with a skin of bronze
welded to a skeleton frame of stone and metal. Though it
was destroyed by an earthquake after standing for only about
fifty years, such was its enormity that people came to Rhodes
just to see its ruins, just as people today visit the ruins of
other Greek monuments, buildings and temples.
Forge Of Olympus Improvement - Armory technologies cost 75% less
|_ As the smith of the Greek gods, Hephaestus forged many great items
for the other gods, such as the thunderbolts of Zeus, Aegis Shield,
arrows of Eros, chariot of Helios and armor of Achilles. He even
helped to create the first woman, Pandora, of clay. Hephaestus
also created items used against the gods when he was wronged,
such as a throne that held Hera prisoner when she cast him out
of Olympus for being so ugly, and a chain-link net used to trap
his wife, Aphrodite, when he suspected her of cheating on him
with Ares.
Hand of Talos Improvement - Colossus gains +100 HP
|_ One of Zeus' many lovers was a mortal woman named Europa. In
the form of a white bull, Zeus spirited her away to the isle
of Crete, where she had 3 sons. Zeus had Hephaestus forge a
giant of iron to defend Europa and the island. Talos was
powered by a single blood vein that ran from his throat to
his ankle. The vein was sealed with a pin at the ankle.
Shoulder of Talos Improvement - Colossus gains +200 HP, -20% hack damage
| Vulnerability
|_ On the return voyage of Jason and the Argonauts, they needed to
stop and resupply on the Isle of Crete, but the sorcerous Medea
warned them of Talos. When Talos appeared and began to throw
rocks at the Argo, Medea played her lyre to coax him to sleep.
She then pulled out the bronze pin that held in his blood and
the giant collapsed. Jason and his men could then collect food
and water before continuing their voyage.
Weapon of the Titans Improvement - Unique units gain +10% attack
|_ The Titans created and ruled the Earth before their children,
the Olympians, overthrew them. They wielded the raw power of
the elements: Light, Earth, Time, Water, Fire. The children
of the Titans, the Olympians, wielded fantastic, if more
conventional, weapons forged by the club-footed god Hephaestus
or cyclops smiths.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
HADES
-----
Description: The brother of Zeus, Hades drew the underworld as his to
rule when the Titans were overthrown and banished to Tartarus. He
shared rule of the underworld with Persephone, whom he had abducted
from above. Although required to release her, she was tricked and
forced to remain with him. Hades sat on an ebony throne and wore a helmet
that made him invisible. There he ruled the dead and accepted
those newly arrived from above. Hermes brought the souls of the
dead to the River Styx where Charon, the ferryman, carried them
across. The three-headed watchdog, Cerberus, prevented any
escape. Most souls remained on the empty Plain of Asphodel. A
lucky few of extraordinary merit went on to the blessed islands
of Elysium. The unlucky were sentenced to unending torment
further down in Tartarus. In rare instances, Hades allowed
living mortals, such as Odysseus, to enter the underworld and
then leave again. Even more rarely did Hades free the dead to
return to the living. He was the richest of the gods, possessing
all the mineral wealth in the Earth.
Bonuses: Archers have 10% more attack
Buildings have 25% more hit points and 20% more attack
When human soldiers are killed, there is a 20% chance a shade
will be generated at the player's temple
Sentinel God Power - Creates four statues at a target town center which
| will attack any enemies within range
|_ Hades grants this God Power that causes 4 stony guardians to rise
from the ground and protect a Town Center belonging to you or an
ally.
To summon the Sentinels, left click on the Sentinel icon at the
top of the screen, then left click on a Town Center. If there is
not space for all 4 Sentinel statues, some may appear red. You
may use the God Power anyway and create fewer statues, or you can
try to remove the obstructions (such as deleting a building), or
just use the power on a different Town Center.
The Sentinels are affected by improvements that make buildings
stronger.
Vaults of Erebus Improvement - Increases Gold production by 0.75 gold/second
|_ Although Hades was the god of the dead, he was also considered
the god of wealth because precious minerals came from beneath the
ground. Hades' realm was divided into two parts, Erebus, where the
dead first entered the underworld, and the deeper region of
Tartarus, where the Titans were imprisoned. The underworld was
divided from the world of the living by 5 rivers: Acheron, the
river of woe; Lethe, the river of forgetfulness; Styx, the river
of unbreakable oaths; Phlegethon, the river of fire; and Cocytus,
the river of lamentations.
ATHENA - Classical Age
------
Description: The goddess of wisdom, crafts, justice, and war, she is
often associated with a shield for war, the owl for wisdom, or the olive
tree. When Athena and Poseidon vied to be the patron of a prominent
city, they held a contest to see who could give the city the finest
gift. Poseidon provided a well, but it produced salty water. Athena
gave the olive tree that provided food, oil, and wood. The city took
the name Athens.
Athena had a prominent role in Homer’s epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey,
serving as Odysseus’ patron throughout his long voyage. In addition to
sponsoring warriors and heroes, she introduced many skills necessary
for civilization. In an unusual but not unique birth, she sprang from
Zeus’ head fully grown and ready for battle. Legends say that Zeus had
prevented a normal birth of a son with Athena’s abilities, who he
feared would unseat him. Although she was a protector of human heroes,
she maintained a distance from male gods whom she perhaps found
unworthy of her. Athena’s companion was Nike, the goddess of victory.
Restoration God Power - Heals friendly units/buildings in the target area.
|_ Athena's healing touch affects all allied units and buildings in
a small area. As long as the light shines down, units in the area
will regain hitpoints.
To use Restoration, left click on the Restoration icon, then target
anywhere on the map. Using Restoration during a fight can prolong
the life of your armies. Using it while a town is under attack
can save your buildings.
"Of Pallas Athena, guardian of the city, I begin to sing. Dread is
she, and with Ares she loves deeds of war, the sack of cities and
the shouting and the battle. It is she who saves the people as
they go out to war and come back. Hail, goddess, and give us good
fortune with happiness!"
-- Homeric Hymn to Athena
Minotaur Mythological Unit
|_ King Minos prayed to Poseidon to send him a snow-white bull as
a sign he was fit to rule Crete. He promised to sacrifice
the animal, but when it appeared, he kept it for his own. In
retribution, Poseidon caused Minos' wife to fall in love with
the bull. Their offspring was the Minotaur, a beast with the
head of a bull and the body of a man. Minos had a huge labyrinth
constructed under Crete where the Minotaur could be kept. Each
year seven boys and seven girls were sent into the maze to be
eaten by the beast. Eventually the Minotaur was slain by Theseus
who unraveled a ball of twine as he moved into the labyrinth so
he could find his way out.
The legend of the minotaur may have originated because of the
important of the bull in Minoan ritual. Minoan buildings were
adorned with bull horns, and their hourglass shields covered
with bull hide. Early frescoes show Minoan youths leaping over
the horns of bulls as a form of sport.
Aegis Shield Improvement - Infantry have -10% Pierce Vulnerability
|_ The Aegis was a magical shield that officially belonged to
Zeus, but he usually allowed his favorite child, Athena, to
carry it. The shield was fringed and covered with scales and
often adorned with a medusa head. It may have been the shield
Perseus used to reflect the Medusa's image, thereby avoiding
her gaze. Some myths depict the Aegis as a cloak, or a shield
that could convert to a cloak. Like much of the armament of
the Olympians, it was forged by Hephaestus.
Sarissa Improvement - Hoplites have -10% Hack Vulnerability
|_ Although often referred to as the goddess of wisdom, Athena's
realm more accurately extended to technology, and the
development of the sarissa qualifies as one of the greatest
achievements in military technology. While Greek infantry
used 8-10' long spears for centuries, Alexander the Great
refined its use for the Greek phalanx, creating a 16-20'
long, two-handed pike called a sarissa. Macedonian phalanxes
armed with sarissas dominated Mediterranean warfare until
the rise of Rome.
Labyrinth of Minos Improvement - Minotaurs cost -25% Food and have +40% HP
|_ Minos, the Minoan king of Crete, imprisoned the minotaur in a
complex labyrinth designed by Daedalus, the famous Athenian
inventor. The labyrinth was so skillfully designed that none
could escape before they were devoured by the minotaur. None but
Theseus, that is, who, aided by Minos' daughter Ariadne, was able
to find his way by unraveling thread to mark his route. Minos
was so enraged that he imprisoned Daedauls in the labyrinth, but
Daedauls escaped by fashioning bird wings of wax. Upon his death,
Minos was made one of the judges of Hades.
The Minoan palace at Knossos had an elaborate floorplan and may
have led to the myth of the labyrinth.
ARES - Classical Age
----
Description: The Greek god of war, he is usually seen with a spear, the
preferred weapon of Greek Hoplites. He was tall and handsome, but vain
and cruel. He was preoccupied with war and battles, quick to rush into
a fight, reveled in bloodshed, and heedless of who won or lost. He was
worshipped most strongly in regions like Thrace, where the people were
particularly fierce. There was one exception to his obsession with
war: he was smitten by Aphrodite and had a long running affair with
her. Homer recounts in the Odyssey a tale of the sun god Helios spotting
the pair enjoying each other’s charms and reporting their tryst to
Hephaestus, Aphrodite’s husband. The great smith fashioned a special
net in which he caught the pair locked in their passionate embrace. He
offered to exhibit the netted pair to the gods of Olympus, but the women
demurred. Homer says that many of the male gods offered to switch places
with Ares.
Pestilence God Power - Halt production at enemy buildings in the target area
|_ This Classical Age God Power called by Ares prevents enemy military
buildings from training new soldiers within its area of effect.
Enemies can still train new units outside of the area of effect.
Allied units are not affected, and neither are economic buildings,
such as Town Centers.
To invoke a Pestilence, left click on the Pestilence God Power at
the top of the screen, and then left click anywhere on the map.
You must have line of sight to use this power.
Cyclops Mythological Unit
|_ Giants with one central eye, the Cyclopes were storm gods in
early Greek mythology. In some tales they became smiths and
worked with Hephaestus on Zeus’ thunderbolts. In other tales
there were only three Cyclopes, representing thunder, lightning,
and a thunderbolt. In classical Greece, the "lesser cyclopes" were
seen as the sons of Poseidon, bestial and violent, who were avoided
and feared. There were also wise and powerful "elder Cyclopes" that
were the sons of Kronos.
Deimos' Sword Improvement - Hypaspists have +15% attack
|_ Deimos, also called Fear, was one of the sons of Ares and
Aphrodite. He followed Ares in battle, along with his brother,
Phobos. Deimos is a personification of emotion and does not
appear as an actual character in any Greek myths.
Enyo's Bow Improvement - Toxotes have +10% attack
|_ Enyo, the personification of strife and discord, was also known
as Eris, and was the daughter of Ares. She delighted in bloody
battlefields, and was known as the Sacker of Cities, and appeared
in Troy when the city fell to the Greeks. In some myths, Enyo
produced the Golden Apple that began the Trojan War.
"Yet these charged forth -- they could not choose but so, for
Strife and deadly Enyo in their midst stalked, like the fell
Erinyes to behold, breathing destruction from their lips like
flame."
-- Quintus, The Fall of Troy
Phobos' Spear Improvement - Hoplites have +10% attack
|_ Phobos, or Terror, was one of the sons of Ares and Aphrodite.
He accompanied his father into battle. Phobos is more of an
abstraction than an actual god and does not appear in any Greek
myths.
"In the centre was Phobos (Fear) worked in adamant, unspeakable,
staring backwards with eyes that glowed with fire. His mouth was
full of teeth in a white row, fearful and daunting, and upon his
grim brow hovered frightful Eris (Strife) who arrays the throng
of men ..."
-- Hesiod, Shield of Heracles
Will of Kronos Improvement - Cyclopes have +50% hack damage, double
| crush damage, train 25% faster
|_ Greek mythology makes a distinction between the "lesser" Cyclopes,
who were the sons of Poseidon, and the "elder" Cyclopes, who were
children of Kronos. Their names were given as Arges, Brontes,
Steropes, Euryalos, Elatreus, Trakhios and Halimedes. The Elder
Cyclopes were known as craftsmen and builders, and were so feared
for their great strength that they were kept locked in Tartarus.
"After ten years of fighting Ge prophesied a victory for Zeus if
he were to secure the prisoners down in Tartarus as his allies.
He thereupon slew their jail-keeper Kampe, and freed them from
their bonds. In return the Cyclopes gave Zeus thunder, lightning,
and a thunderbolt, as well as a helmet for Hades and a trident
for Poseidon. Armed with these the three gods overpowered the
Titans, confined them in Tartaros, and put the Hekatonkheires
in charge of guarding them."
-- Apollodorus
APOLLO - Heroic Age
------
Description: The god of music, archery (only as sport), medicine,
colonization, herds, and divination, he represents many of the better
qualities of humankind, including order, intelligence, rationalization,
and an appreciation for the finer things. He could cause or cure the
plague. He established the oracle at Delphi and perhaps the city of
Troy. He is often perceived as the perfect male. Apollo and his twin
sister Artemis were fathered by Zeus and born of the Titan Leto,
necessarily incurring the wrath of Zeus’ wife Hera, who did all she
could to prevent the twins from being born. Apollo was also well
known for his love affairs with beautiful mortals of both sexes, including
among them Calliope, Coronis and Daphne. Apollo's Oracle at Delphi
was well known throughout the Mediterranean. Apollo is closely
associated with the sun, or at least with Helios, the Greek sun god.
Underworld Passage God Power - Allows units to travel between two points
| on the map instantly
|_ Apollo's God Power creates a permanent (until destroyed) tunnel
through the Underworld, which may be used to travel almost
instantly from one point to another on the map.
To use the Underworld Passage, left click on the Underworld Passage
icon, then left click where you want one end of the passage to be.
Left click again in a different location to place the other end of
the Underworld passage.
Place one end in your town and the other end in an ally's town to
allow quick reinforcements and speedy retreats. Use it to circumvent
walls and defenses or even place one end deep in enemy territory
for a sneak attack. The passage remains in place as long as the
entrance and exit are intact.
Manticore Mythological Unit
|_ The Manticore probably came into Greek mythology from
Persia and originated in tales about far away and exotic India.
The beast had the body of a red lion, a human face (with blue eyes
and human ears), three rows of teeth, a stinging poisonous tail,
and poisonous spines that could be shot like arrows in any
direction. Its voice was like a mixture of pipes and trumpets.
It was fast and capable of great leaps. When villagers vanished
without a trace, it was believed they were devoured by a manticore.
Oracle Improvement - All units and buildings gain +6 LOS
|_ One of the reasons for Apollo's prominence in Greek mythology
was his Oracle at Delphi, who could predict the future. Apollo
established the oracle when he rid Delphi of the serpent,
Python. Apollo dedicated a bronze tripod to the sanctuary
there, and bestowed divine powers on the priestess. The
priestess, known as the Pythia, would chew on laurel leaves and
inhale the hallucinating vapors issuing from the temple floor,
while mumbling prophecies that had to be translated by attendant
male priests.
Sun Ray Improvement - Archers, Centaurs and Manticores gain +10% attack
|_ Apollo was known as "Phoebus," the "radiant," and had a close
connection to Helios, the sun god. Apollo is often shown holding
a bow and arrow symbolizing the sun's rays, as he was the god of
archery (as art, not for warfare or hunting).
Temple of Heating Improvement - Temples heal a single unit at a time
|_ Idle units heal much faster than those moving or engaged in
combat. Some units, such as undead, Titans, or the dragon,
Nidhogg, cannot be healed.
Apollo was the father of Asclepius, the god of medicine, whose
symbol, the cadeuses, is still used as a symbol for medicine
today (though is often portrayed as the winged staff of Hermes's,
not the serpent-entwined staff of Asclepius).
"I begin to sing of Asclepius, son of Apollo and healer of
sicknesses. In the Dotian plain fair Koronis, daughter of King
Phlegyas, bare him, a great joy to men, a soother of cruel
pangs. and so hail to you, lord: in my song I make my prayer to
thee!"
--Homeric Hymn XVI
Aphrodite - Heroic Age
---------
Description: The goddess of love, beauty, and sexual rapture, her name
derives from the word for sea foam. In one story, she was born when
Kronos the Titan was castrated and his genitals were thrown into the
ocean. The sea began to roil and from the foam Aphrodite took shape.
In contrast, Homer says she was the daughter of Zeus and Dione.
Regardless of her ancestry, she was beautiful beyond words.
Seeking Olympian tranquility, Zeus gave Aphrodite in marriage to
hard-working and reliable Hephaestus. With his metal working skills
he fashioned for her wonderful jewels, including a golden magical
girdle. The combination of her personal charms and her jewels made
her irresistible. She took advantage of her gifts, loving glamour and
flirting, and was not particularly happy with a dirty, boring husband.
She took many lovers, including Adonis, and bore several children,
including Eros. The festival of Aphrodisiac was celebrated, especially
in Athens and Corinth. Coupling with her priestesses was a form of
Aphrodite worship.
Curse God Power - Turn several enemy units into pigs
|_ Aphrodite's God Power turns a random number of Villagers and human
soldiers into Pigs. The weaker the units affected, the more units
can be affected.
To use Curse on your enemies, select the Curse icon at the top of
the screen, then left click near the enemy units you want to turn
into pigs. You must have line of sight to the enemy units you
wish to Curse.
Nemean Lion Mythological Unit
|_ A large and ferocious lion that lived on the plains of Nemea, it
terrorized the area and could not be killed by normal men, who
ran in fear from its mighty roar. The first labor of Heracles
was to kill the Nemean Lion. When Heracles discovered his arrows
and other weapons had no effect on the beast, the hero closed with
it and used his incredible strength to strangle it. He skinned
the beast and returned with its skin as a cloak. Heracles was
thereafter depicted wearing the cloak of the Nemean Lion.
Divine Blood Improvement - Villagers move 20% faster, carry 10 more
| resources, and construct buildings 20% faster
|_ Aphrodite's name means "foam-born," and according to mythology,
she rose from the sea near Cyprus after Oranos the Titan's severed
body parts were hurled into the ocean by Kronos. As the goddess of
beauty and passion, Aphrodite engaged in many trysts with mortals,
much like her foster father, Zeus. Prominent among these was
Aeneas, who would escape the burning city of Troy to eventually
found Rome.
Golden Apples Improvement - Villagers gather favor 15% faster
|_ Enyo, or Strife, the daughter of Ares decided to sow discord by
producing a golden apple inscribed "to the fairest". The goddesses
Athena, Hera and Aphrodite immediately began squabbling over for
which one of them the apple was intended. A shepherd named Paris
was chosen to answer the question. Athena offered him wisdom.
Hera offered him power. Aphrodite offered him the most beautiful
woman in the world. Paris chose Aphrodite. The most beautiful
woman in the world turned out to be Helen, wife of a prominent
Greek king, and her abduction began the Trojan War.
Roar of Orthus Improvement - Nemean Lion -50% pierce damage vulnerability,
| 20% hack damage vulnerability
|_ Echidna was a half-woman, half-snake mother of many monstrous
progeny, including Ladon (a dragon), the Hydra, the Chimera,
Orthus (a multi-headed dog) and Cerberus (the multi-headed dog
that guards the gates to Erebus). Echidna and Orthus had their
own foul brood, including the Greek Sphinx and Nemean Lion.
Orthus was guarding the cattle of Geryon when he was strangled
by Heracles.
ARTEMIS - Mythic Age
-------
Description: The goddess of the hunt and the protector of children, she
is often seen with her bow and with wild animals, or wandering in the
woods accompanied by nymphs. She and her twin brother, Apollo, were
children of Zeus and the Titan Leto. Artemis was said to be aloof and
free-spirited, free of husband and home, and forever a virgin. She
exacts complete and deadly retribution for those who transgressed
against the gods or herself. She turned the hunter Actaeon into a
stag that was torn apart by his own hunting dogs, all for accidentally
seeing her bathing. She was also believe to be responsible for the
deaths of women in childbirth.
Earthquake God Power - Damages enemy buildings and units
|_ Artemis calls forth the wrath of nature in a mighty Earthquake.
Every unit in the area is affected, though enemies take more
damage, and buildings are hurt much more than units. Farms take
very little damage.
To unleash the devastation, left click on the Earthquake icon at
the top of the screen, then left click where you want the center
of the Earthquake to be. You must have line of sight to target
Earthquake.
Chimera Mythological Unit
|_ The chimera is one of the varied offspring of Echidna (with the
torso of a beautiful woman and a horrible serpent below the
waist) and Typhon (a fire-breathing giant with 100 serpent
heads). The Chimera is a fire-breathing beast, usually depicted
with the body of a goat, the head of a lion, and tail of a
serpent. The Corinthian hero, Bellerophon, defeated the original
Lycian (a Greek kingdom in Asia Minor) chimera by flying into
battle on the winged horse, Pegasus.
Flames of Typhon Improvement - Chimerae have +30% attack, +20% HP,
| special attack does 30% more damage
|_ Typhon was a fire-breathing monster that dripped venom from his
eyes. The battle between the gods and Typhon was so destructive
that most of life on earth was killed. In the end, Typhon hurled
Mount Aetna at Zeus, but Zeus struck it with a hundred well-aimed
thunderbolts and pinned Typhon beneath the rubble. The monster
was never entirely killed, though, which is why Mount Aetna
still rumbles with earthquakes and lava. Typhon had many
offspring with the equally monstrous Echidna, including the Chimera.
Shafts of Plague Improvement - Arrows Archers have +15% attack
|_ Like her brother, Apollo, Artemis was said to be able to cause
plague by firing her arrows. The family of Niobe met with such a
death. Niobe made the foolish claim that she was superior to the
mother of Apollo and Artemis, Leto, for she had borne seven sons
and seven daughters, and Leto only two. Apollo then shot all
seven sons and Artemis all seven daughters.
Trierarch Improvement - Triremes have -20% crush damage vulnerability
|_ The Trierarch was the highest ranking officer on a trireme, and
also responsible for the cost and maintenance of his ship. He
was assisted by the Pentekontrarchos, who maintained the ship's
purse and records, the Kubernator, or pilot, and the Auletes,
who played a flute to keep rowers in rhythm.
HEPHAESTUS - Mythic Age
----------
Description: The god of fire, volcanoes, blacksmiths, and metal working,
he had a strong following in the cities where his skills were important to
commerce and war. He is usually seen with an axe. In one account he
sided with his mother Hera against Zeus who threw him so far that he
fell all day and limped thereafter. Hephaestus was associated with
Mt. Etna on the island of Sicily. In his workshop he fashioned many
wondrous things for the gods, including thunderbolts for Zeus,
Athena’s shield, arrows for Eros, and the chariot with which Helios
the sun god rode across the sky. He also helped create the first
human woman from clay, named Pandora, who released the evils of the
world on humankind from her magic jar.
Plenty God Power - Creates a vault which constantly generates food, wood,
| and gold.
|_ Hephaestus' God Power creates a wondrous, mythical Vault that
grants a constant flow of Food, Wood, and Gold.
To erect the Vault of Plenty, left click on the Plenty icon, then
left click where you wish to place the Vault. The gods favor the
strong -- if an enemy has more units or buildings near the vault
than you, then you will lose control of the vault and the enemy
will get the flow of resources. Place the Vault carefully, and
then defend it well.
Colossus Mythological Unit
|_ The Great Colossus at Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. It stood over 150 ft. high on a 50 ft. white
marble base. It was mostly hollow, with a skin of bronze
welded to a skeleton frame of stone and metal. Though it
was destroyed by an earthquake after standing for only about
fifty years, such was its enormity that people came to Rhodes
just to see its ruins, just as people today visit the ruins of
other Greek monuments, buildings and temples.
Forge Of Olympus Improvement - Armory technologies cost 75% less
|_ As the smith of the Greek gods, Hephaestus forged many great items
for the other gods, such as the thunderbolts of Zeus, Aegis Shield,
arrows of Eros, chariot of Helios and armor of Achilles. He even
helped to create the first woman, Pandora, of clay. Hephaestus
also created items used against the gods when he was wronged,
such as a throne that held Hera prisoner when she cast him out
of Olympus for being so ugly, and a chain-link net used to trap
his wife, Aphrodite, when he suspected her of cheating on him
with Ares.
Hand of Talos Improvement - Colossus gains +100 HP
|_ One of Zeus' many lovers was a mortal woman named Europa. In
the form of a white bull, Zeus spirited her away to the isle
of Crete, where she had 3 sons. Zeus had Hephaestus forge a
giant of iron to defend Europa and the island. Talos was
powered by a single blood vein that ran from his throat to
his ankle. The vein was sealed with a pin at the ankle.
Shoulder of Talos Improvement - Colossus gains +200 HP, -20% hack damage
| Vulnerability
|_ On the return voyage of Jason and the Argonauts, they needed to
stop and resupply on the Isle of Crete, but the sorcerous Medea
warned them of Talos. When Talos appeared and began to throw
rocks at the Argo, Medea played her lyre to coax him to sleep.
She then pulled out the bronze pin that held in his blood and
the giant collapsed. Jason and his men could then collect food
and water before continuing their voyage.
Weapon of the Titans Improvement - Unique units gain +10% attack
|_ The Titans created and ruled the Earth before their children,
the Olympians, overthrew them. They wielded the raw power of
the elements: Light, Earth, Time, Water, Fire. The children
of the Titans, the Olympians, wielded fantastic, if more
conventional, weapons forged by the club-footed god Hephaestus
or cyclops smiths.
===========================================================================
Egyptian Mythology
===========================================================================
The Egyptians have two Heroes, the Pharaoh and Priest. The Pharaoh
features several unique abilities, the most important being the
ability to empower a building. This empowerment acts as a bonus
of sorts, but the effect really depends on the building that is
empowered at the time. A Monument, for instance, will gain Favor
much faster than if it weren't empowered.
Before there was air, earth, or even sky, there was only water - turbulent,
bubbling water from which the first God, Ra, arose.
Ra transformed into a new element in the cosmos, the sun. But the paucity
of other life soon weighed heavily upon him, and so through communion
with his own shadow, he sired a daughter, Tefnut. She also was a new
element - moisture. And Ra's other child, Shu, became the air. They in
turn had offsping of their own, Geb and Nut (the earth and sky). Soon an
enture cosmological order had been established. But with it came
unforseen challenges.
Soon Ra found himself forced into daily battle with the serpent Apep for
control of the atmosphere. Enlisting the help of wife and daughter Bast
(goddess of cats and fertility), Ra was successful on most days. But on
days when Apep prevailed, storms and foul weather were the rule.
This was the mere beginning of whar Ra would contend with. The frustrations
of lording over a human population that was prone to complaint and rebellion
once led Ra, in a fit of anger, to cast one of his eyes out and hurl it
toward the earth. The eye transformed into the goddess of vengeance,
Sekhmet, a force so destructive toward humanity that a remorseful Ra had
to recall her via trickery. Ra ordered his servants to create thousands
of vessels of beer. The beer would be mixed with pomegranate juice to
appear like the blood of her human victims and used to flood the field
surrounding her earthly abode.
The plan worked. When Sekhmet next emerged to finish slaughtering human-
kind, she caught her reflection in the gruesome red lake, fell in love with
it, and drank the mixture, falling asleep harmlessly. It worked so well
that she was eventually made the wide of Ptah (the very god of creation).
And later, ironically, she transformed into Hathor, goddess of love and
celebration.
Still, taking responsibility for the entire cosmos was beginning to tax
Ra's vitality. As he grew older, Ra looked for a replacement for his
duties overseeing the earth. It would be his great-grandson, Osiris.
Osiris (along with Isis, Set, and Nephthys) had been brought into the
world through the union of Geb and Nut. But when Ra left dominion of the
world to Osiris, the first sibling rivalry in cosmos history took place-
and what a rivalry!
Osiris had been a benevolent dictator - under his rule the men of Egypt
became civilized. But brother Set (the god of chaos and storms) was
jealous of the favor shown Osiris, and mirdered him. He constructed
an elaborate chest and held a party, telling all his siblings that
whoever fit into it could keep it for their own. But he had built the
beautiful casket with but one of them in mind: Osiris. And when Osiris
climbed in, Set had it sealed and his conspirators sent it down the Nile,
hoping it would never be seen again.
Thus Osiris was the first God in history to die, and became the first God
of the underworld. When Nephthys told her sister, Isis of the murder,
Isis became grief-stricken, for Osiris was her husband as well as her
brother. She found the body and was even successful in reviving Osiris,
and together they had a son, Horus. But Set soon discovered this, and
enraged, ripped Osiris into 14 pieces, scattering the parts over Egypt
so that even Isis could not piece them together. Anubis, inventor of
embalming and son of Osiris, performed the funeral in the great pyramid.
Set was now lord of the world, and given his proclivity for chaos and
violence, it seemed as if all of Osiris' works would soon be reversed.
Set was even said to be plotting an overthrow of his father Ra.
In response, Ra and Horus amassed a great army to overthrow Set's rule.
They enlisted Thoth, god of wisdom and truth, who transformed Horus into
a sun-disk with a heat so intense it confounded Set's armied, and they
destroyed one another.
But Set himself was nowhere to be found. He had gone into hiding a great
distance away, where he was free to form yet another force with which to
defeat Ra and Horus.
But it was not to be. And with eventual defeat, Horus dismembered Set
much the way his father had been. Thus Horus came to rule the world and
set the precedent for the pharaohs who followed.
The following chart reveals the Minor Gods from which you must choose,
according to your Major Gods, at each Age advance.
MAJOR GOD CLASSICAL AGE HEROIC AGE MYTHIC AGE
Ra Bast, Ptah Hathor, Sekhmet Horus, Osiris
Iris Anubis, Bast Hathor, Nephthys Osiris, Thoth
Set Anubis, Ptah Nephthys, Sekhmet Horus, Thoth
Below are the Egyptian Major & Minor Gods.
RA
--
Description: As one of the earliest and most successful agricultural
cultures on Earth, the ancient Egyptians gave their sun god, Ra, supremacy,
recognizing the importance of sunlight in producing food. The
Pharaohs of Egypt believed they were descendants of Ra.
The daily rise, overhead passage, and setting of Ra greatly impressed
the Egyptians. At dawn, Ra was seen as a newborn child, issuing from
the sky or a heavenly cow. By midday, Ra was thought of as a flying
bird or sailing boat. At sunset, Ra was seen as an old man descending
to the land of the dead. Overnight, Ra as a boat sailed eastward
through the underworld in preparation for the next day’s ascent.
Along the way he had to battle or evade Apep, the great serpent of
the underworld that sought to devour him. Part of the worship of
Ra involved creating magic to aid or protect Ra in his nightly
struggle with Apep, helping to assure the return of the sun.
Later in the ancient Egyptian period, Ra was diminished by being
forced to reveal to Isis his name, thereby giving her access to
some of his magical power. Despite the uplifting of other gods by
some cults, however, worship of the sun remained paramount in
ancient Egypt. Ra was often combined with other deities to
enhance the prestige of the latter, as in Ra-Atum or Amun-Ra.
Bonuses: Camels, Chariot Archers Have 10% More Hp And Move 10% Faster
Monuments Cost 25% Less And Have 20% More Hit Points
Priests Can Empower Buildings, But At A Reduced Rate (10% Not 20%)
Pharaoh Empowering Yields 25% More Resources Instead Of 20%
Rain God Power - Farms and fishing boats work 300% faster, allies and
| enemy's farms/fishing boats work 200% faster
|_ Ra calls down a rainstorm to allow your crops to grow. During the
Rain, all Farms near Town Centers will produce Food at a faster
rate, but your own Farms will produce even faster than other
players' Farms. A Villager must be working on a Farm to gain the
benefit. During the Rain, no other God Powers may be used on the map.
To call the showers, left click on the Rain icon, then left click
anywhere on the map.
Skin of Rhino Improvement - Villagers have 30% more hack/pierce armor,
| 10% more attack
|_ The skin of the rhinoceros is deeply-folded or plaited, and
studded with rivet-like tubercles on the shoulders, flanks and
legs that gives it the appearance of being armor-plated. There
is some truth to the myth that rhino skin is resistant to
projectiles.
PTAH - Classical Age
----
Description: The cult center of Ptah was at Memphis, one of the older
cities of ancient Egypt, and his importance grew as that city became
the capital for many dynasties. He was usually depicted as a shaven-
headed mummy holding a scepter or working with tools. He may have
originally been a fertility god, and for a time was held to be the
creator of all gods and religious practices. As other cults and
gods rose in importance, he became a protector of the arts and crafts,
a shaper of all things.
Shifting Sands God Power - Teleport units to a different point on the map
|_ Ptah's Shifting Sands can be used to transport allied or enemy
units from one location on the map to another. All allied units
are affected, but not every enemy unit in the area will be moved.
To summon the sandstorm, left click on the Shifting Sands icon.
Targeting the sand storm requires two left clicks, the first is
near the units you wish to transport, the second is where you want
those units transported. You must have line of sight to both
clicked areas. A good use for sandstorm is to shift an invading
army out of your town or to transport quickly past some defenses
for a surprise attack.
Wadjet Mythological Unit
|_ The Wadjet is named for the serpent goddess who appears in snake
form on the crown of the pharaoh. Her name means "papyrus-
colored-one". The serpent Wadjet can spit venom at a long range,
though the vestigial wings are used only to lift the heavy cobra
hood above the sand.
Electrum Bullets Improvement - Slingers +10% attack
|_ Ptah was a god of technology, so his mythological improvements
bring better armor and weapons to the Egyptians.
Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. Though
weaker than other metals available at the time, the mystical,
spiritual and psychological properties of the metal were more
important than its strength. The great Pharaoh Ramses rode into
combat on his chariot wearing a helmet of electrum.
Leather Frame Shield Improvement - Spearmen -10% Pierce Vulnerability
|_ The Egyptians favored a round-topped, leather-covered wooden
shield. Leather over a wooden frame offered a cheap, light and
easy-to-work covering that was, in many cases, more resilient
than heavy and expensive metal coverings. A lighter shield meant
that troops carrying them could move more quickly and wield
them more effectively.
Scalloped Axe Improvement - Axemen +10% attack
|_ The Egyptians were fond of the axe as a weapon and tool. Heavily
ornamented axes have been discovered with the burial goods of
important mummies. Scalloping added surface area to the head of an
axe, making it stronger and able to deal more damage.
Shaduf I