Constantinopolis

Edge Entertainment, Fantasy Flight Games, Heidelberger Spieleverlag · Board game · 2010
2–5 · best 4 90 min Weight 3.1/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
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7.9 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy bargaining and city expansion, you’ll love Constantinopolis’ blend of auctions and commodity speculation.

Highlights
  • Intense auction tension
  • Clear resource management
  • Immersive historic map
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Latin components may confuse
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
In the 6th‑century AD, under Emperor Justinian, Constantinople was the Byzantine Empire's biggest commercial hub. Sitting on the Sea of Marmara at the Bosphorus entrance, the city controlled vital sea routes and linked Europe to Asia. Constantinopolis puts you in the shoes of an ambitious merchant aiming to become the most renowned in the metropolis. Playtime runs 90‑120 minutes for 2‑5 players.

Your goal is straightforward: earn renown by completing delivery contracts and expanding your trade district. To do that you buy and sell goods—fabrics, spices, timber and more—using auctions and price speculation. Each round offers chances to bid on scarce resources, negotiate transport routes and build structures that boost production capacity.

The board features a city‑scale map printed entirely in Latin, removing language barriers while adding authentic historic flavor. Rules are clear: manage your hand of cards, place bids, fulfill contracts and, at game’s end, the player with the highest mix of fame and territory wins. The auction mechanic creates constant tension, while commodity speculation lets short‑term choices echo into long‑term success.

High‑quality components—large board, illustrated cards, resource tokens—provide strategic depth without overwhelming complexity. Perfect for fans of economics, trade and city‑building, yet approachable for newcomers to management games. If you enjoy bargaining, planning routes, and watching markets shift, Constantinopolis offers an immersive, historically‑rich experience.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
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Game details

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Ancient: Rome Cities: Istanbul (Turkey) Components: Map (City Scale) Country: Turkey History: Byzantium Mechanism: Tableau Building Players: Games with expansions that change player count
Publisher Edge Entertainment, Fantasy Flight Games, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Homo Ludens, Stratelibri
Designer Giancarlo Fioretti
Artist Antonio Dessi
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can join?
2 to 5 players.
What’s the typical play time?
About 90‑120 minutes.
Do I need to know Latin to play?
No. Latin appears only on the board; the rules are in English (and Portuguese).
How complex is the game?
Medium complexity (weight 3.1/5), suitable for players familiar with economic games.
What components are included?
City map, commodity cards, resource tokens, contract sheets and building pieces.
Can kids play it?
Recommended for ages 12+ because of auction and speculation mechanics.
Are there expansions that change player count?
Yes, expansions exist that let you adjust the game for more or fewer players.