Persians
One of the great ancient nations in southwest Asia.

Persians have the Power of Ceremony
• Bonus starting Food
• Can found a second Capital by building a second Senate. Second City built acts as a second Capital. Both receive Capital border bonus, and both must be captured to eliminate you
• Receive Taxation upgrades for free
• Cheaper Civic research
• Always have the maximum number of Caravans

As soon as the game starts you have to be on the look out for Persia's unique units. Starting in the first age they have a unique line of heavy infantry. Unlike other early heavy infantry, they are ranged. This gives them the ability to deal out damage from a good distance. This line culminates in the Arquebus Immortal in the Gunpowder Age, which are powerful gun wielding infantry units, available while other nations are still equipping their heavy infantry with pikes. Persia also has the unique elephant line of units that don't replace existing units. Elephants carry multiple soldiers into battle, giving them a variety of attacks, and the ability to tear apart ranks of heavy infantry units.

Persian unique units are: