# The Wars of Marcus Aurelius

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2018
- **BGG Rating**: 7.5
- **BGG Rank**: #6385
- **Players**: 1 (Best with: 1)
- **Duration**: 30-90 min
- **Weight**: 2.43 / 5
- **Designers**: Robert DeLeskie
- **Artists**: Gonzalo Santacruz, Ilya Kudriashov
- **Publishers**: Hollandspiele
- **Categories**: Ancient, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Campaign / Battle Card Driven, Dice Rolling, Point to Point Movement, Simulation, Solo / Solitaire Game

## Verdict
If you're a fan of dense historical solo wargames and love a strategic challenge, *The Wars of Marcus Aurelius* is an absolute treat! It puts you in the shoes of an emperor dealing with multiple simultaneous crises, forcing tough decisions every turn. The experience is immersive, and the feeling of being in command of Rome is palpable, even when playing alone.Immersive solo experienceDeep historical themeComplex strategic decisionsHigh replayabilityAward-winning designInitial learning curveCan be punishingWargame focusHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready to step into Emperor Marcus Aurelius' sandals in *The Wars of Marcus Aurelius*, a strategic solo game that plunges you headfirst into the Marcomannic Wars (170-180 CE). Your mission? Defeat and pacify three barbarian tribes while simultaneously managing off-map wars, rebellions, troop shortages, and the devastating effects of plague. Oh, and of course, maintain your standing with the Senate and the people of Rome! Easy, right? The game simulates the challenges Rome faced against a coalition of Germanic and Sarmatian tribes along the Danube, a period that saw barbarians invade Italy for the first time in nearly 300 years and reach as far as Athens. Each turn represents a year, divided into four rounds: early campaign, late campaign, winter, and an attrition/housekeeping round. At the start of each round, you draw barbarian cards that activate enemies, cause off-map conflicts, or trigger special events like plagues and mutinies. As the Roman player, you draw a specific number of cards (5 in the early campaign, 3 in the late campaign, and 1 in winter) and use them for actions such as attacking tribes, building forts, moving legions, or increasing your 'Imperium Points'. Many cards also feature historical events, like the 'Lightning Miracle' or the 'Galen' event to mitigate the plague. Battles are resolved with dice rolls for both Romans and barbarians, with modifiers based on legions, leaders, tribe morale, and terrain. You can use cards to commit reserves and turn the tide. Victory requires you to defeat and pacify all three tribes by 180 CE, keeping them under control with forts and garrisons. If the Marcomanni break into Italy, your Imperium Points drop too low, or time runs out, it's an immediate defeat. A true challenge for any solitary strategist!

## FAQ
### How many players can play The Wars of Marcus Aurelius?
This is an exclusively solo game, designed for a single player to immerse themselves in Marcus Aurelius' strategic experience.

### What is the average playtime for a game?
A game typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your familiarity with the rules and the complexity of the decisions you need to make.

### What is the complexity level of the game?
It is considered to have a medium complexity (BGG weight 2.43/5). While the rules are straightforward, the strategic depth and tough decisions make it a rewarding challenge.

### Do I need to be a Roman history expert to play?
No! While the game is historically immersive, you don't need to be a historian. The theme helps contextualize decisions, but the fun comes from strategy and crisis management.

### What are the main components of the game?
The game features a strategic map, barbarian and Roman cards that drive gameplay, dice for combat resolution, and tokens to represent legions, forts, and other elements.

### What is the ultimate goal to win the game?
You win if you manage to defeat and pacify the three main barbarian tribes by the year 180 CE, keeping them under control with your defenses and garrisons.

### Is The Wars of Marcus Aurelius a good game for wargame beginners?
It can be a good entry point for solo wargames, as the card-driven mechanic is intuitive. However, managing multiple fronts and the unpredictability of barbarian events require some patience and learning.

## Price Comparison
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