# Mare Nostrum

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2003
- **BGG Rating**: 6.7
- **BGG Rank**: #2335
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 120 min
- **Weight**: 2.99 / 5
- **Designers**: Serge Laget
- **Artists**: Franck Dion
- **Publishers**: Eurogames, Descartes Editeur, Smart Ltd, Tehnolog
- **Categories**: Ancient, Civilization, Economic
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Dice Rolling, Set Collection, Trading, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you love building empires around the Mediterranean, Mare Nostrum offers deep strategy with a light rulebook.Blend of trade and conquestUnique powers per civilizationShort rules, smooth playLong play timeModerate learning curveSimple componentsRECOMMENDED

## Description
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.

## FAQ
### How many players can join?
3 to 5 players, with optional solo rules for a single player.

### What is the typical playing time?
About 120 minutes, though it can stretch depending on player experience.

### How complex is the game?
Weight 2.9/5 – easy to moderate; the rulebook fits on two pages.

### What components are included?
Mediterranean map, city tokens, resource markers, leader and wonder cards, dice, and action cards.

### Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially in the basic mode; the advanced mode adds extra strategic depth for veterans.

### Are there expansions or variants?
No official expansions, though fan‑made scenario rules are popular.

### What’s the difference between basic and advanced?
Advanced lets you customize starting civilizations and adds extra diplomacy and event rules.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 34.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=150952&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/6750/mare-nostrum?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com