Mare Nostrum

Mare Nostrum transports players to the ancient Mediterranean, where each takes the helm of a rising power seeking fame. The goal is to dominate the region by controlling cities, trade routes, and armies while gathering rare resources and hiring legendary leaders. The board shows the sea and surrounding provinces, each space capable of holding a city or a resource depot. Advancement requires balancing three avenues: commerce – sending caravans to trade valuable goods; construction – building cities, structures and eventually wonders such as the Pyramids; and military expansion – deploying fleets and troops to seize neighboring provinces.

The game blends dice rolling, area majority, set collection and trading, all flavored by each civilization’s unique powers. Players can opt for a basic or advanced mode, customizing their starting civilization and tweaking complexity. Despite its epic scope, the rules fit on two pages, making learning fast and gameplay smooth. Up to five players compete, and victory is achieved by controlling four Wonders or Leaders, or by being the first to finish the Pyramids. The award‑winning design (winner of the 2001 Concours International de Créateurs de Jeux de Société) offers a deep yet accessible experience, perfect for fans of history, strategy and a dash of luck.