Byzantine (Civ5)

The Byzantine people (or Eastern Romans) represent a civilization in Civilization V: Gods & Kings. They are led by .
* Symbol: Russian Orthodox cross
* Musical Theme: Phos Hilaron (composed by Geoff Knorr)
* Music Set: European
* Architecture: Mediterreanean
* Spy Names: Basil, Nikophoros, Demetrios, Philippos, Theophylaktos, Simonis, Zoe, Ioanno, Xene, Euphrosyne
* Preferred Religion: Christianity () or Eastern Orthodoxy ()
== Strategy ==
The Byzantines are a versatile civilization. On one hand, they have the most powerful early game naval vessel: the Dromon. This is the only ranged naval vessel in the Ancient and Classical Era, and gives the Byzantines a great advantage against both barbarians and the navy of any other civilization early in the game. Not only is it able to attack from afar, but it also has a Bonus vs Naval, making it devastating against Triremes!
On the other hand, they're the only civilization that can have six beliefs in their religion instead of the usual five (excluding the Reformation Belief). The Bonus Belief for the Byzantines can be a Pantheon, a Founder Belief, a Follower Belief, or an Enhancer Belief, and is added at religion foundation - another great advantage, since the Byzantines start their religion with four beliefs rather than the usual three, and are able to choose an Enhancer Belief earlier than others, potentially gaining access to the whole pool of Enhancer Beliefs, even if they didn't manage to develop their religion first!
To take maximum advantage of these features, develop them as a religious civilization. Research Pottery first, then build a Shrine to kick-start your production, then try to form a full religion and enhance it quickly to have maximum choice of Beliefs. Tailor your religion so as to fit the type of victory you want. More importantly, you will also have to develop the Piety tree, which will maximize the power of your religion.
Put your secondary focus on seafaring. Use the early ranged power of the Dromon and the heavy Cataphract mounted unit to attack coastal cities of other civilizations and enlarge your empire early on.
If you decide to take the Byzantines along the cultural route, choose the World Church Founder Belief (+1 for every 5 foreign followers) and use one of two routes to spread your religion and ensure it remains strong. The first is a "hands-on" approach using the bonus slot for Pilgrimage, a second Founder Belief (+2 per foreign city following your religion). Later, you can get the Enhancer Belief, Holy Order, which combined with Mandate of Heaven halves the cost of Missionaries and Inquisitors. Combining these two beliefs and this policy will ensure you get many Missionaries to spread your religion. The other route will passively spread your religion quickly and will scale nicely as it grows. Use the bonus slot for Religious Texts (Enhancer) to increase your religious pressure by 25% (increasing to 50% with Printing Press). After that, you can use the second Enhancer Belief for Itinerant Preachers, increasing the range of pressure by 30%. This method is automatic and only available to the Byzantines as it uses two Enhancer beliefs.
With the new changes in Brave New World, the Byzantines are capable of getting an even earlier start on their boom. This can be accomplished by rushing the Piety tree, which is now open for policies beginning in the Ancient Era. This will allow you to secure your first Great Prophet rather quickly.
== Civilopedia entry ==
== Cities ==
== Trivia ==
* Byzantium's unique ability is a reference to one of the autocephalous churches that together make up Eastern Orthodoxy.
* Byzantium first appeared as a non-playable civilization in the Rise of the Mongols scenario, in which it is led by Michael VIII.
== Gallery ==
File:Byzantium map (Civ5).png|Map of Byzantine Empire
== Related achievements ==
== See also ==
* Byzantine (Civ5)/Rise of the Mongols
* Eastern Roman (Civ5)
* Byzantine in other games
es:Bizantina (V)
fr:Byzance (Civ5)
ru:Византия (Civ5)
Category:Byzantine