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6,000 years
of human history unfold across 8 distinct epochs in Rise of Nations. Each of the
8 epochs in the game represents a time period from history in the real world. Key
technological changes like the invention of gunpowder serve as lines between ages.
As the game and your nation advance, you will have newer and more powerful units
at your disposal.
 Ancient
ca 2000 BC
The starting age of the game. The Ancient age offers only Foot troops and Tower
defenses. Cities cannot increase above Small size, and
Knowledge and Metal do not yet exist,
so technologies and units that would cost Metal or Knowledge in future ages cost
extra Wealth and Timber.
Classical 1999 BC - 500 AD
Stables, Siege Factories, and Forts can be built, adding to the power of the attack.
This is countered by cities increasing to Large size if there are 5 different types
of buildings in their sphere of influence. Knowledge and Metal are introduced, and
Universities and Mines can be built.
 Medieval
501 AD - 1299 AD
Forts become Castles, and Catapults can be upgraded to Trebuchets, which are significantly
more powerful. Also, the key Supply Wagon
unit is introduced (along with Spies),
allowing for effective siege attacks. All unit types can receive upgrades. The Medieval
age is considered the "height of the defense curve," as it gets easier to attack
after the introduction of the Supply Wagon, and in subsequent ages.
Gunpowder 1300 AD - 1715 AD
The introduction of Arquebuses, Bombards, and Dragoons
pushes the balance of power toward the attacker. The introduction of Gunpowder is
one of the most significant developments in history, and in the game. Getting here
with a significant lead could end the game in your favor - if you haven't sacrificed
defense to do so, and been conquered in the Medieval Age!
 Enlightenment
1716 AD - 1880 AD
Heavy Infantry first gain ranged weapons
in the Enlightenment Age, and all units gain significant upgrades, especially Cannon,
which go from being primarily siege weapons
to having a strong anti-personnel role as well.
Industrial 1881 AD - 1935 AD
A key moment in history and in the game, as new rare resources
are introduced, and Oil becomes a necessary commodity. Offsetting this additional
economic worry are the enormously powerful Tanks and Airplanes that defined modern
warfare.
 Modern
1936 AD - 1968 AD
Primitive unit types introduced in the Industrial Age now become potent weapons
of war, as Tanks, Fighters ,
Bombers , and Cruise Missiles become
available. The all-important Tactical Nuclear Weapon
makes its first appearance in this era, which should incite the wise commander to
spread his forces a little more sparsely on the battlefield.
Information 1969 AD - future
All modern upgrades to Economy, Technology, and Military are now available, including
Stealth Bombers, ICBMs, and powerful Main Battle Tanks. Once all technologies in
the Information Age are researched, special additional technologies become available
to bring the game to a dramatic finish.
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