Mare Nostrum*

Mare Nostrum is a strategic board game that transports players back to the ancient Mediterranean world, where they take on the roles of leaders of powerful civilizations. The objective is to dominate the region through a blend of commerce, construction, and expansion. This game challenges players to strategically expand their territories, construct cities, and navigate trade routes to acquire and utilize valuable commodities.

Gameplay Overview

• Expansion: Players must extend their influence across the map, claiming new territories and securing resources essential for their civilization's growth.
• Construction: Building new cities is crucial for economic and military strength. Players can also construct wonders of the world, which provide significant advantages.
• Commerce: Trade plays a vital role in acquiring scarce resources. Caravans facilitate the exchange of goods, allowing civilizations to thrive and fund further expansion or construction projects.
• Leadership: Recruiting historical leaders offers unique benefits, enhancing a civilization's military, economic, or cultural capabilities.

Victory Conditions

Victory can be achieved through controlling a combination of four wonders and/or leaders or by being the first to construct the Pyramids. This goal encourages players to balance their strategies between diplomacy, trade, and military conquest.

Game Features

• Scalability: Mare Nostrum supports up to five players, making it suitable for various group sizes.
• Game Modes: The game includes both basic and advanced modes, allowing players to tailor the starting conditions and complexity to their preferences.
• Efficiency: Despite its strategic depth, Mare Nostrum boasts a concise rule set, with only two pages of rules required for players to get started.

Awards

Mare Nostrum's innovative design and engaging gameplay earned it the 2001 Concours International de Créateurs de Jeux de Société award, highlighting its excellence in game creation.

Conclusion

Mare Nostrum offers a richly thematic and strategically demanding experience, encapsulating the essence of ancient Mediterranean power struggles. With its emphasis on multiple paths to victory, concise rules, and the ability to customize the game's complexity, it stands out as a versatile and engaging board game suitable for strategy enthusiasts and history buffs alike.