The Roman Civil Wars
Breaks away: Roman Rebels (first civil war), Rome, Roman Rebels (second civil war) and The Roman Senate from Rome in the first war; in the second, whichever side won the first
Two civil wars that can tear the Roman Republic apart, but only when a human plays Rome. In the first, the provinces of five legions break away to the Roman Rebels. In the second, whoever won the first war splits four ways.
Only when a human plays Rome. With a computer-run Rome neither war happens._
What sets it off
First civil war
- It is turn 122 (240 BC) or later and Rome holds more than 150 settlements.
- The Italic revolt has already happened and is over.
- Rome holds 5 or more regions in each of at least 5 legion recruiting areas.
- It breaks out at the end of a Roman turn in which a Roman family general is out in the field.
Second civil war
- The first war has been decided (the losing side is down to its last settlement) and more than 50 turns have passed since then.
- The winner holds more than 200 settlements and 5 or more regions in at least 6 of the 10 legion recruiting areas.
- From then on there is a 35% chance at the start of each of the winner's turns. Once it succeeds, the provinces rise 3 turns later.
What happens
First civil war
- A message, 'A Divided Republic', asks whether you stay with Rome (the Populares) or switch to the Roman Rebels (the Optimates). The war happens either way.
- Rome's settlements in the Germanica, Gallica, Cyrenaica, Parthica and Alaudae legion areas join the Roman Rebels. The other legion areas and the city of Rome stay loyal.
- The rebel cities are held by strong garrisons of Leves Armaturae and Legionary Cohorts.
- If you switch sides, the Roman Rebels receive 30,000 and you take them over on the next turn, when their leader lands in central Italy.
Second civil war
- The winner's largest legion area breaks away to the loser of the first war, the next largest to a second Roman Rebels faction, and the region of Rome itself to The Roman Senate.
- All four Roman factions are at war with each other.
Both wars
- From turn 102 (245 BC), a beaten Roman faction may offer to surrender to you: a 20% chance each turn once you have taken at least 2 of its settlements and it is down to fewer than 8 (for The Roman Senate, more than 8 and fewer than 12). Accepting hands you all its settlements.
Playing as the rebels
In the first war, the 'A Divided Republic' message lets you switch to the Roman Rebels. In the second, you are offered one after another the loser of the first war, the second Roman Rebels faction and The Roman Senate; turning one down moves on to the next. Turn them all down and you carry on as you were.
The in-game messages (9)
A Divided Republic
Major disagreements between the supporters of the Senate/Optimates and the supporters of the people/Populares have escalated into open war and now Roman generals march with their own legions into Rome. Some say that the Populares demand radical land reforms and cater to the pleb, threatening to change the traditions and way of life by imposing bills that will affect the wealth of the elite in favour of the masses. The Optimates, the "Best Men" of Rome, fight to keep our traditions, order, and the authority of the Senate. Will you favour the populist cause and fight for the people, or side with the traditionalist, and march against their enemies to restore order in the Roman Republic?
(Accept to switch to the Optimates next turn. Deny to remain with the Populares.)
A New Power Arises
In the chaos of this fractured Republic, a third power block has emerged. Driven by their ambition and supported by fiercely loyal veteran legions, this faction seeks to carve out its own dominion and force a new order upon Rome. Will you take the mantle of this ambitious faction and forge a new destiny for Rome?
(Accept to switch to this faction next turn. Deny to view other faction options.)
The Will of the Senate
Rome belongs neither to the masses nor to warlords, but to the Senate and the People! The true constitutional authority of Rome calls upon its loyal citizens to crush the outlaw generals who dare march their private armies against their own city. Will you lead the Senate's loyalists, defeat their enemies and restore ultimate authority in Rome?
(Accept to switch to the Roman Senate next turn. Deny to view other faction options.)
Defenders of the Old Order
The shadow of tyranny threatens Rome. The Optimates have raised their standards in defence of the Republic, relying on the wealth and influence of the traditional Roman elite to crush those who would use the loyalty of their veteran legions to claim absolute power in Rome. Will you take command of the Optimates and uphold the values of Rome?
(Accept to switch to the Optimates next turn. Deny to view other faction options.)
Champions of the People
The traditionalists have hoarded Rome's wealth and denied our veterans their rightful land for too long! The Populares have taken arms and march to enact true reform in Rome, supported by the will of the masses and the loyalty of their veteran legions. Will you lead the Populares and break the corrupt hold of the Optimates?
(Accept to switch to the Populares next turn. Deny to view other faction options.)
The Populares Surrender
The so-called "champions of the pleb" have been brought to their knees. Their populist reforms have been forgotten, and their armies are broken. The Populares now beg for mercy, offering their unconditional surrender.
Do you accept their submission and show clemency, or deny it to utterly annihilate their remaining cities and armies?
The Optimates Surrender
The so-called "Best Men" of Rome are beaten. Their wealth and power could not buy them victory. Now their armies have scattered before our might and they beg for peace.
Do you accept their surrender and integrate their surviving elites into our Republic, or deny their request and continue the proscriptions against them?
Broken Rivals
This rival faction of ambitious generals and loyal veterans has been decisively crushed. Their dream of carving out a personal empire is over, and their leaders plead for their lives.
Will you accept their surrender and absorb their remaining forces, or deny it and put them to the sword?
The Senate Capitulates
The Senate of Rome has been defeated. Forced to recognise that true power lies entirely with our legions, the senators offer their surrender, effectively ceding absolute control of the Republic.
Will you accept their submission and rule as Rome's undisputed master, or deny it and purge the Republic's old guard entirely?
Comes after: The Italic Revolt.
Opens the way to: Named Legions are now available.