Byzantines

A defensive empire with powerful mercenary units and unique Cistern resource management system.

Difficulty: Hard Defensive/Economic

Civilization Bonuses

Mercenary Contracts

Can hire mercenary units from the Mercenary House for olive oil

Cistern Network

Buildings connected to Cisterns receive production and gathering bonuses

Olive Oil Economy

Gather unique olive oil resource used for mercenaries and technologies

Imperial Legacy

Stone walls and towers have increased HP and attack

Unique Units

Unit Age Cost HP Attack Special
Cataphract Castle Age (III) 140 Food, 100 Gold 230 16 Heavy cavalry with charge ability and high armor
Varangian Guard Castle Age (III) 80 Food, 50 Gold, Olive Oil 145 18 Elite infantry, bonus vs cavalry
Greek Fire Siphon Imperial Age (IV) 200 Wood, 200 Gold 210 8 Siege unit with area-of-effect fire damage
Dromon Feudal Age (II) 120 Wood, 60 Gold 480 25 Powerful warship with Greek fire attack

Landmarks

Feudal Age (II)

Grand Winery

Produces olive oil, boosts nearby farm productivity

Cistern of the First Hill

Large cistern that provides water bonuses to wide area

Castle Age (III)

Hippodrome

Produces cavalry units faster, provides entertainment gold bonus

Foreign Engineering Company

Unlocks advanced siege weapons, reduces siege costs

Imperial Age (IV)

Imperial Hippodrome

Free Cataphract production every 90 seconds

Palatine School

Elite military academy, unique upgrades for all units

Build Orders

Cistern Economy

  1. 6 Villagers → Sheep
  2. 4 Villagers → Wood
  3. 3 Villagers → Olive Grove
  4. Build Cistern near Town Center
  5. Grand Winery landmark
  6. Focus economy, prepare for Castle Age

Castle Cataphract Push

  1. Standard opening with olive oil priority
  2. Build Hippodrome landmark
  3. Mass Cataphracts from Stables
  4. Add Varangian Guards for support
  5. Push with heavy cavalry + infantry combo

Strategy Tips

Strengths

  • Cataphracts are the most powerful heavy cavalry
  • Cistern network provides massive economic bonuses
  • Mercenary units offer flexible army composition
  • Greek Fire devastating against grouped enemies
  • Strongest walls and defensive structures

Weaknesses

  • Complex economy management (olive oil + standard resources)
  • Slow start compared to aggressive civilizations
  • Cistern placement requires strategic planning
  • Mercenaries can be expensive in extended games

Matchup Tips

vs Mongols Wall early, Cataphracts counter light cavalry
vs English Use Dromon superiority on water maps
vs French Varangian Guards melt French Knights
vs Chinese Match their boom with Cistern economy

Cistern System Guide

The Cistern network is the core of Byzantine economy. Here's how to maximize it:

  • Placement: Build Cisterns centrally so multiple buildings connect
  • Connection radius: Buildings within range receive production bonuses
  • Aqueduct links: Connect multiple Cisterns with aqueducts for efficiency
  • Upgrade priority: Cistern upgrades should be researched early

Olive Oil Management

  • Olive Groves: Assign 3-4 villagers early for steady income
  • Mercenary balance: Don't overspend on mercenaries early game
  • Grand Winery: This landmark accelerates olive oil production significantly
  • Save for emergencies: Keep olive oil reserve for critical mercenary hires

Mercenary Units

Byzantine mercenaries are powerful but require olive oil. Use them strategically:

  • Varangian Guard: Best anti-cavalry infantry in the game
  • Limitanei: Cheap spearmen for early defense
  • Stratiotes: Balanced cavalry for general combat
  • Timing: Hire mercenaries to reinforce before major engagements