Caesar & Cleopatra

KOSMOS, 999 Games, Filosofia Éditions · Board game · 1997
2 · best 2 60 min Weight 1.9/5
6.5 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 14.99
6.5 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

For those who love a quick, bluff-filled strategic duel, Caesar & Cleopatra is a sure bet! It's the kind of game that keeps you constantly thinking about your opponent's next move.

Highlights
  • Intense strategic duel
  • Sharp bluffing and deduction
  • Fast-paced and replayable
  • Clever hand management
Keep in mind
  • Limited direct interaction
  • Theme might not appeal
  • Card draw dependent
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare for a clash of titans in ancient Egypt with Caesar & Cleopatra! In this two-player card game, you step into the shoes of one of these iconic leaders, each with their own agenda. Caesar aims for Roman dominance over Egypt, while Cleopatra fights for her kingdom's independence. The real battle unfolds behind the scenes, as you vie to influence key Roman officials to support your cause.

The core gameplay involves playing numbered cards (agents) from 1 to 5 to gain influence over five groups of Roman officials: Aediles, Quaestors, Senators, Praetorians, and Censors. You can play cards face-down (secret agents, riskier) or face-up (revealed agents, safer). Cunning comes into play with action cards, such as Assassins to eliminate rival agents or Scouts to reveal hidden moves. Hand management is crucial as you decide whether to replenish with agent cards or action cards, but beware: once a deck runs out, you lose access to it forever!

Each round, a voting official is revealed. The player with the most influence in that group wins the official to their side and removes their strongest agent from that group. The game ends when all officials have chosen their allegiance, and the player who has influenced the most wins, with bonus points for majorities in each group and secret objectives. It's a tense duel of bluffing, strategy, and resource management that tests your ability to anticipate your opponent's moves and secure victory for your leader.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Ancient: Egypt Ancient: Rome Historical Figures: Cleopatra Historical Figures: Julius Caesar Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Two-player games (Kosmos)
Publisher KOSMOS, 999 Games, Filosofia Éditions, Galakta, Kaissa Chess & Games, Laser plus, Rio Grande Games, Thames & Kosmos, Tilsit
Designer Wolfgang Lüdtke
Artist Fiore GmbH, Franz Vohwinkel

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

8,858owners
368wishlist
72want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Caesar & Cleopatra?
A game typically lasts around 60 minutes, making it quite dynamic for a strategic game.
Is this game strictly for two players?
Yes! Caesar & Cleopatra was designed exclusively for two players, ensuring a highly focused duel.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
It offers interesting strategic depth, but the rules are quite straightforward and easy to grasp. Ideal for those seeking something more than a casual game, but without excessive complexity.
What comes in the box?
It typically includes agent cards, action cards, influence markers, and the Roman officials you'll be vying to win over.
Who would you recommend this game to?
We highly recommend it for couples or friends who enjoy card games with a touch of strategy, bluffing, and that don't take too much time. If you like historical and tactical duels, you'll love it!
Is there a lot of luck involved?
Luck exists due to card draws, but strategy and your ability to bluff and manage your hand are much more crucial for victory.

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