i. Byzantines [AOK6I]

Explore the rich history and powerful civilization attributes of the Byzantines in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Learn their strengths and unique bonuses.

Alright, let's dive into the Byzantines in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition! These guys are basically the Eastern Roman Empire, and they've got a seriously long and fascinating history. They were the ones holding the line against all sorts of invasions from the East for centuries, thanks to their super-defensible capital, Constantinople, and a strong navy.

Think of emperors like Justinian I, who tried to bring back the glory of the old Roman Empire. His top general, Belisarius, was a legend, winning battles all over the place. The Byzantines were also rich for a long time because Constantinople was a major trade hub, sitting right on routes between Asia and Europe. Their gold coin, the nomisma, was the standard for ages!

What made them tick militarily? They had a solid army with heavy cavalry as the main punch, supported by archers and armored swordsmen. They were all about smart tactics and discipline, often facing down larger, less organized forces. Plus, they had a spy network to keep tabs on enemies and even bribe them sometimes!

Their navy was crucial too, keeping trade routes open and defending against attacks. They even had a secret weapon called Greek fire, a kind of liquid napalm that could wreck enemy ships. Imagine that!

Now, they did face tough times. They lost a lot of territory to the Arabs and later the Turks. Crusaders even sacked Constantinople in 1204, which was a huge blow. Sadly, the empire finally fell in 1453 when the Turks captured Constantinople with the help of some massive cannons.

Team Bonus and Civilization Attributes

So, what makes the Byzantines special in the game?

• Monks Heal Faster: Your Monks heal units 3 times faster (or 1.5 times faster in the Conqueror's Expansion). This means your army can recover from battles much quicker.
• Buildings Get HP Bonuses: Your buildings get tougher as you advance through the ages. They start with 10% more HP in the Dark Age and go up to 40% more HP in the Imperial Age. Great for defense!
• Cheaper Counter Units: The Pikeman, Skirmisher, and Camel units all cost 25% less. This makes it easier to field effective counters against enemy units.
• Fire Ships Get Extra Attack: Your Fire Ships get a 20% attack bonus, making them more potent against enemy ships.
• Cheaper Imperial Age Advancement: Advancing to the Imperial Age costs 33% less Food (667 Food and 533 Food). This can give you a significant economic and military edge.

Byzantine Technology Tree

When you look at the Byzantine tech tree, you'll be amazed at how complete it is. They have access to almost everything in the Archery Range, Barracks, Stable, Dock, and Monastery. This means you have a ton of flexibility in how you build your army and counter your opponent, no matter the situation.