Civilizations (Age of Empires II)

The playable factions in Age of Empires II are based on prominent civilizations or nations that were at the peak of their might between the times of the fall of Rome and the early age of discovery (XVI century).

Each civilization in the game has one or two focused military strengths, meaning units or buildings that fall into those categories are usually given most-to-all of the available upgrades in addition to favorable stat boosts by the game and will likely be part of effective battle strategies during matches. While it is possible to put the focus elsewhere other than their advantageous trait (e.g., a Persian player relying primarily on standard Barracks troops rather than cavalry), it is usually not advisable to do so, because most of the civilization bonuses will not apply to those additional fields. It can still be effective and create a moment of surprise if non-typical units are created.

Listed below are all civilizations and their specialties in Age of Empires II and all its expansions.

Britons
Overview= The Britons are a Western European civilization in Age of Empires II. They represent the English and the Anglo-Normans during the High Middle Ages and Late Middle Ages. They focus on foot archers. The Britons' unique unit is the Longbowman, from their historical use of the English Longbow in their campaigns. Longbowmen are archers with higher range than every other archer in the game, even outranging Castles and towers in later stages of the game. Their Castle Age unique technology Yeomen refers to the fact that the Britons heavily relied on archery, thus giving their foot archers even more range, as well as increasing their tower damage. The Britons were known for their small villages scattered across England, as well as their tactics of encroaching on enemies with strongholds, and thus get cheaper Town Centers. Known as skilled shepherds and heavily involved in the wool trade, British shepherds work faster. For a time in England, all sports but archery were banned on Sundays, thus the Britons also have faster Archery Ranges.
 * Specialty: Foot archers
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Aachen Cathedral
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Town Centers cost -50% wood starting in the Castle Age.
 * Foot archers (except Skirmishers) have +1/+2 range in the Castle/Imperial Age.
 * Shepherds work 25% faster.
 * Team bonus: Archery Ranges work 20% faster.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Archery Ranges work 20% faster.
 * -|Description=

Byzantines
Overview= The Byzantines (or Eastern Roman Empire) are Middle Eastern civilization in Age of Empires II. They are situated in the Balkan peninsula and Asia Minor, along the eastern seaboard of the Mediterranean in the modern countries such as Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. In the Attila the Hun campaign, they represent the Western Roman Empire. Only classified as a defensive civilization in-game, they are in practice a very versatile civilization, relying on a wide variety of units of all categories for both offense and defense.
 * Specialty: Defense
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Hagia Sophia
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Buildings have +10%/+20%/+30%/+40% HP in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
 * Camels, Skirmishers, and the Spearman lines are 25% cheaper.
 * Fire Ships attack 20% faster.
 * Advancing to the Imperial Age is 33% cheaper.
 * Town Watch is free.
 * Team bonus: Monks heal 50% faster.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Monks heal 50% faster.
 * -|Description=

As the medieval stage of the Roman Empire they retain characteristics of their Rise of Rome Roman (Roman and Palmyran) counterparts and Persian neighbors, such as their unique unit, the Cataphract, a type of heavy cavalry that happened to also be present in the original game. Their Imperial Age unique technology is Logistica, referring to the Byzantines' strong military tactics which grants their Cataphracts trample damage to attack multiple enemies at once. The Byzantines had a head start over their European neighbors and arguably reached their zenith while the rest of Europe were in the Dark Age. As a result, they pay less to advance to the Imperial Age.

Constantinople operated as the center of a trading network that extended across nearly all of Eurasia and North Africa, in particular as the primary western terminus of the famous Silk Road. So the Byzantine Empire's economy was among the most advanced in Europe and the Mediterranean for many centuries. Europe, in particular, could not match Byzantines' economic strength until late in the Middle Ages. That is reflected upon in the game with the Byzantines having access to all economic (Lumber camp, Mill, and Mining Camp) upgrades.

The Byzantines were best known for having deflected many invasions implemented by barbarians, Slavs and Arabs, and the famed doubled walls that surrounded their capital of Constantinople almost stood for over a millennium until overran by Ottoman Turks. To reflect this achievement, the Byzantines attain a theme of a defensive civilization and have tougher buildings as the Age progresses. Due to carrying on many of the traditions of Rome such as their naval prowess and being the inventors of Greek fire, an ancient napalm rumored to be able to ignite even on water, their Fire Ship attack faster and their Castle Age unique technology is Greek Fire, granting Fire Ships +1 range. As a defensive civilization, they also get cheaper counter units and Town Watch for free. Being the bastion of Greek Orthodoxy, their Monks heal faster to keep with their defensive theme.

Celts
Overview= The Celts are a Western European civilization in Age of Empires II. They focus on infantry and siege weapons.
 * Specialty: Infantry and siege weapons
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Rock of Cashel
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Infantry units move 15% faster.
 * Lumberjacks work 15% faster.
 * Siege weapons fire +20% faster.
 * Enemy herdables can be converted regardless of enemy units next to them.
 * Team bonus: Siege Workshops work 20% faster.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Siege Workshops work 20% faster.
 * -|Description=

Historically, they were a Central European civilization who dominated much of Europe, such as Southern Germany, Spain, France, and the British Isles. The Celts in the game are based on the Celts of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales in Western Europe, but they only speak Irish Gaelic. Their unique unit is the Woad Raider, a type of infantry who covers himself in paint made from the woad plant to make himself look more fearsome. Woad Raiders move very fast, allowing them to overcome the normal infantry weaknesses against archers and siege weapons. Their Imperial Age (Age of Empires II)]Imperial Age unique technology is Furor Celtica, which refers to the Celtic warrior tradition of channeling their emotions and anger and makes their siege weapons harder to kill. Being masters of guerilla warfare, Celtic infantry move faster. Because of their historical wood and metalworking, their Siege Workshops build faster, their Lumberjacks work faster, and their siege weapons fire faster. Like their neighbors the Britons, the Celts were historically skilled shepherds, and it is much easier for them to steal their enemies' Sheep.

Their descendants are the Scottish, Welsh, and Irish nations. These three nations, alongside the English nation (descendants of the Britons), created a united kingdom: the British civilization that is featured in Age of Empires III.

Chinese
Overview= The Chinese are an East Asian civilization in Age of Empires II. They are based on the Tang and Song dynasties of medieval China, and they focus on archers.
 * Specialty: Archers
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Temple of Heaven
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Start game with three extra Villagers, but with and.
 * Town Center supports ten population (instead of five).
 * Technologies are 10%/15%/20% cheaper in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
 * Demolition Ships have +50% HP.
 * Team bonus: Farms start with.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Farms start with.
 * -|Description=

The aforementioned dynasties were best known for their unprecedented technological innovations and highly populated cities accommodating millions of people by the 1200s. To reflect this achievement and for being one of the civilizations that suffered the least during the Dark Ages, they start with extra Villagers and their Town Centers support a higher population. Although they have fewer resources to compensate, allied Farms produce extra food (which reflects on the importance of rice agriculture in China). The unique unit of the Chinese is the Chu Ko Nu, a foot archer wielding the eponymous semi-automatic crossbow invented by the Chinese that would load a new bolt simultaneously as soon as the last one was fired. Chu Ko Nu fire multiple arrows at once and, if employed en masse, they can wreak havoc on infantry and even cavalry.

Due to game balance reasons, the Chinese lack access to many of the technologies they invented, such as the Hand Cannoneer, Bombard Cannon, and Block Printing (the earliest record of a written formula for gunpowder appears in the 11th century Song dynasty text, Wujing Zongyao, the Heilongjiang Hand Cannon is widely considered the earlier surviving firearm, and the Block Printing technology in Age of Empires II even tributes the Chinese by name). Their unique technology, Rocketry, reflects their advanced gunpowder technology and boosts their Chu Ko Nu and Scorpions (by adding +2 and +4 attack respectively) to offer some limited compensation. The Chinese have a long history of using Demolition Ships in naval battles, and as such their Demolition Ships have 50% more hit points which allows them to reach their targets easier. Finally, the Chinese research all technologies more cheaply than any other civilization due to being one of the most advanced civilizations during the time frame of Age of Empires II.

Franks
Overview= The Franks (now known as the French) are a Western European civilization in Age of Empires II. They focus on cavalry.
 * Specialty: Cavalry
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: St. Vitus Cathedral
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Farm upgrades are free.
 * Castles are 25% cheaper.
 * Cavalry have +20% HP.
 * Foragers work 25% faster.
 * Team bonus: Knights have +2 Line of Sight.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Knights have +2 Line of Sight.
 * -|Description=

The Franks conquered and inhabited modern day France, which was previously known as Gaul. They are primarily an offensive civilization, although they possess a few defensive perks as well. Their unique unit is the Throwing Axeman, which deals melee damage at range. Throwing axes were more popular than bows in the densely forested parts of northern Europe where the Franks came from, and they even take their name from their throwing axe, the Francisca. Their Castle Age unique technology, Bearded Axe, reflect this by giving their Throwing Axemen more range. The Frankish King Charlemagne started the tradition of using armored cavalry who became known as knights, and Frankish Knights fight valiantly with more HP and greater Line of Sight. This tradition also spawned the concept of Chivalry (codes of knights), represented by the technology of the same name which boosts their Stables' working speed. Castles dot France, and the Franks get cheaper Castles to better emulate this. Finally, no castle with a knight as its lord is complete without peasant labor, and thus, Frankish Farms upgrade for free and their Foragers work faster.

Goths
Overview= The Goths are a Central European civilization in Age of Empires II. They focus on infantry.
 * Specialty: Infantry
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Mausoleum of Theoderic I
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Infantry are 35% cheaper starting in the Feudal Age.
 * Infantry have +1 attack bonus against standard buildings.
 * Villagers have +5 attack against Wild Boars and carry from hunting.
 * +10 population cap in the Imperial Age.
 * Team bonus: Barracks work 20% faster.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Barracks work 20% faster.
 * -|Description=

The Goths were a collection of Eastern Germanic tribes that constantly warred with the Roman Empire during its later years, known for bringing Rome to its knees and traveling all over Europe, bringing devastation with them. Following the fall of the Empire, the Goths divided into the Ostrogoths (East Goths) who settled in Italy, and the Visigoths (West Goths) who settled in the region that would later become Portugal and Spain. The leaders of the Goths and their Age of Empires II equivalents were the Huskarls, the Gothic unique unit.

As the Goths were known for their raiding prowess, the medium infantry Huskarls have high pierce armor and shrug off damage from fortifications. This also makes them very powerful against archers, and they also move quick enough to chase them down. The Goths were known as flexible nomads with mostly nonexistent formal government, so their first unique technology Anarchy allows their leaders, the Huskarls, to be trained at the Barracks like normal infantry, as early as the Castle Age.

Their second unique technology Perfusion allows them to train infantry extremely fast. As the Goths were known for being able to mass soldiers very quickly, they are able to spam more units already available to all civilizations, thanks to their infantry costing less as they advance to Feudal Age and their Barracks naturally working faster. As raiders, Gothic infantry get extra attack bonus against buildings. Being nomads gave them other distinct advantage: their Villagers can hunt bigger game effectively and carry more meat. Finally, the Goths get a higher population limit to reflect their ability to field armies quickly.

They are one of the ancestors of the Spanish and Portuguese civilizations. Hence, this is most likely why the Goths have access to gunpowder units such as Hand Cannoneers and Bombard Cannons since both the Portuguese and the Spanish used gunpowder in warfare to expand their empires (although this can also be for gameplay balance purposes since the Goths have a lackluster Siege and Archery unit line).

Japanese
Overview= The Japanese are an Eastern Asian infantry civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on the island of Japan. Being an island civilization, the Japanese were renowned fishermen, reflected in the fact that their fishing boats are faster and tougher. Their unique unit is the Samurai, a type of medium-heavy fast-moving infantry strong against other unique units. The Samurai was the elite class in Japanese society, and required dozens of years of training. The Samurai were armed with a Katana, an extra-sharp thin bladed longsword, a Wakizashi, a shorter version of the Katana and sometimes a Tantō. These soldiers served the lord and fought for them based on the strict Bushido honor code. To reflect their high rank and prestige of the Japanese warrior class and their association with the ninja, a covert agent, Japanese infantry attack faster. The Japanese were also known for woodworking and mining. The Japanese relied on their infantry and naval warfare but not as much on their cavalry.
 * Specialty: Infantry
 * Unique unit: SMURI.jpg Samurai
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Yasama (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Kataparuto (introduced in The Conquerors)
 * Wonder: Tōdai-ji
 * Team bonus: Galleys have +50% Line of Sight
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Fishing Ships have 2x HP and +2 armor
 * Fishing Ships work +5%/+10%/+15%/+20% faster in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age
 * Lumber Camps, Mining Camps, and Mills are 50% cheaper
 * Infantry attacks 25% faster starting from Feudal Age
 * -|Description=

Mongols
Overview= The Mongols were an Eastern Asian civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a Cavalry Archer civilization, known for creating the largest contiguous country in human history. The Mongols were slightly similar to the Huns, but had many major differences. The Mongols had excellent cavalry and archers which were the key to their success. Their unique unit is the Mangudai, a type of cavalry archer, once again showing the Mongol's superiority in cavalry. The Mangudai shares stats with other cavalry archers, but have a bonus attack against siege engines. The Mangudai are stronger than Heavy Cavalry Archers in every way, and cost less in terms of gold, but more in terms of wood. The Mongols have a strong cavalry, with faster firing Cavaly Archers, stronger Light Cavalry and Hussars, and farther seeing Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, and Hussars.
 * Specialty: Cavalry Archers
 * Unique unit: MangudaiIcon.jpg Mangudai
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Nomads (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Drill (introduced in The Conquerors)
 * Wonder: Great Tent of Genghis Khan
 * Team bonus: Scout Cavalry have +2 Line of Sight
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Cavalry Archers fire 20% faster
 * Light Cavalry, Hussars have +30% HP
 * Hunters work 50% faster
 * -|Description=

Persians
Overview= The Persians were a Middle East Asian civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a cavalry civilization, based on the Sasanian Empire. They were notable for their rivalry with the Romans and gradual absorption into the Islamic caliphate following the rise of Islam and Arab invasions. Like their predecessor in the original game, the Persians had a strong cavalry and navy. In addition, they have a bonus for Town Centers and Docks. The Persian unique unit is the War Elephant, a type of very-heavy cavalry. The War Elephant can take down several light to medium cavalry and infantry, and even withstand a little siege fire. The War Elephant is strong against buildings, but its shortcoming is archers, heavy siege weapons and spearmen.
 * Specialty: Cavalry
 * Unique unit: WarElephantIcon.jpg War Elephant
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Boiling Oil (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Mahouts (introduced in The Conquerors)
 * Wonder: Taq Kasra
 * Team bonus: Knights have +2 attack against archers
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Start the game with +50 food and +50 wood
 * Town Centers and Docks have 2x HP
 * Town Centers and Docks work +10%/+15%/+20% faster in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age
 * -|Description=

Saracens
Overview= The Saracens were a Middle Eastern civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a camel and naval civilization, from the area of Arabian Peninsula (predominantly Saudi Arabia and Yemen) and Syria most notable for initiating the rise of Islam and starting the Islamic Caliphate. They occupy one of the largest territories during that time until the Mongol invasions. To reflect their achievement as a powerful desert civilization and for founding one of the major religions of the world, their unique technologies benefit their monks and camel units including the Mameluke. They also have a small bonus when it comes to ships. Their unique unit is the Mameluke (Age of Empires II), a type of light camel cavalry with a large attack bonus against cavalry but capable of taking down archers and light infantry as well. The Saracens were also active traders being located at the crossroads of the world which was a prime center for world trade. As a result, they have a bonus when it comes to trading, as their market trading cost is only 5% which is much smaller than other civilizations.
 * Specialty: Camels and navy
 * Unique unit: Saracenmamluk_icon.png Mameluke
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Madrasah (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Zealotry (introduced in The Conquerors)
 * Wonder: Great Mosque of Samarra
 * Team bonus: Foot archers have +1 attack against buildings
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Tribute fee only 5%
 * Transport Ships have 2x HP and carry capacity
 * Galleys attack 20% faster
 * Cavalry Archers have +3 attack against buildings
 * Markets cost -75 wood (since The Forgotten)
 * -|Description=

Teutons
Overview= The Teutons were a Central European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as an infantry civilization, known for their teamwork and strong infantry. They have many good bonuses such as Monks having longer healing range, towers being able to garrison twice as many units, Murder Holes being free, farms costing less, Town Centers being significantly stronger, and units being more resistant to conversion. Their unique unit is the Teutonic Knight, the strongest infantry unit in the game. The Elite Teutonic Knight can take down almost any unit that gets too close. Their downpoint is their extremely slow movement. They also have strong Paladins, but they are also slow compared to other civilizations as they lack Husbandry.
 * Specialty: Infantry and Defense
 * Unique unit: Crusade_avatar.png Teutonic Knight
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Ironclad (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Crenellations (introduced in The Conquerors)
 * Wonder: Maria Laach Abbey
 * Team bonus: Units are more resistant to conversion
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Monks have 2x healing range
 * Towers can garrison 2x units
 * Murder Holes free
 * Farms cost are 33% cheaper
 * -|Description=

Turks
Overview= The Turks were a Middle Eastern civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as a gunpowder civilization, originated from Central Asia based on the Ottoman Turks. The Turks were best known for winning many battles in the Crusades as well as successfully besieging Constantinople which ended European foothold of the Silk Road and contact with the Orient. The Turks mine gold faster. They also used gunpowder quite effectively, becoming the first "gunpowder empire," having received it from their control of the Silk Road. To reflect their achievements, they have a free upgrade to use gunpowder units, and stronger yet lower costing gunpowder units. The gunpowder units are also created faster granted by the team bonus. Their unique unit is the Janissary, a type of gunpowder unit. The Janissary is strong against infantry and archers. The Turks also have some free cavalry upgrades and faster gold miners.
 * Specialty: Gunpowder units
 * Unique unit: JanissaryIcon.jpg Janissary
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Sipahi (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Artillery (introduced in The Conquerors)
 * Wonder: Selimiye Mosque
 * Team bonus: Gunpowder units are created 20% faster
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Gunpowder units have +25% HP
 * Gunpowder technologies are 50% cheaper
 * Chemistry is free
 * Gold Miners work 15% faster
 * Light Cavalry and Hussar upgrades are free
 * -|Description=

Vikings
Overview= The Vikings were a North European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings as an infantry and naval civilization, best known for being advent sailors and for establishing colonies in the North Atlantic in Greenland and Canada before the European explorers. They were also known for bringing fear among several European communities since they would raid small villages unexpectedly. As a result, their navy and infantry are among the finest in the game and are one of the few civilizations to have more than one unique unit. The Vikings did not actually wear spiked or horned helmets, but they refrained from trimming their head and facial hair to give the look of a big, scary, and hairy beast. This is reflected by their unique unit, the Berserk, and their unique technology that would benefit them. The Berserker is an extra-strong, regenerating and fast infantry unit strong against other infantry and light cavalry, and to an extent against buildings. The Vikings also excel at naval warfare and tactics, and even mastered the art of various types of sailing. To reflect this achievement, their Dock-based unique unit is the Longboat, a type of swift war boat that shoots volleys of arrows at other boats. The Viking Longboat was a well-constructed slim boat that gracefully shot through the water.
 * Specialty: Infantry and Navy
 * Unique units:
 * VBRSK.jpg Berserk
 * LongboatIcon.jpg Longboat
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Chieftains (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Berserkergang (introduced in The Conquerors)
 * Wonder: Borgund Stave Church
 * Team bonus: Docks are cheaper
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Warships cost less in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age
 * Infantry has +10%/+15%/+20% HP in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age
 * Wheelbarrow and Hand Cart are free
 * -|Description=

Aztecs
Overview= The Aztecs are a Native American civilization introduced in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors. They focus on infantry and Monks. Their unique unit is the Jaguar Warrior, the highest rank of warrior in the Aztec army, wielding a wooden club studded with obsidian sharp shards. The Jaguar Warrior is thus a heavy infantry unit which is strong against other infantry units. Their Castle Age unique technology, Atlatl, represents a tool employed by hunters and Warriors that was used for throwing spears or javelins. Their Imperial Age unique technology, Garland Wars, references the "flower wars" which the Aztecs organized among their allies in order to provide more sacrifices. The Aztecs were also known as a hard working and innovative civilization, and their Villagers carry more resources. Being a highly military civilization, the Aztecs also have a general creation speed bonus across the board for all their military units. They were famous for their bloody and ardent faith, with their Relics generating extra gold and their Monks receiving extra HP per each Monastery technology researched, allowing their Monks to join other soldiers on the battlefield. The Aztecs did not have horses or gunpowder. Thus, they completely lack Stables (and with it the entire cavalry branch) and cannons. Also, they start random map games with an Eagle Scout as a scouting unit instead of a Scout Cavalry.
 * Specialty: Monks and infantry
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Start the game with an Eagle Scout.
 * Villagers carry +5 extra resources.
 * All military units are created 15% faster.
 * Monks gain 5 HP for every researched Monastery technology.
 * Start with.
 * Team bonus: Relics generate.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Relics generate.
 * -|Description=

Huns
Overview= The Huns are an Eastern European civilization introduced in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors. They are based on the Hunnic Empire controlled by Attila the Hun. They focus on cavalry.
 * Specialty: Cavalry
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Arch of Constantine
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Start the game with, but with the population cap at the maximum.
 * Cavalry Archers are 10%/20% cheaper in the Castle/Imperial Age.
 * Trebuchets have +35% accuracy against units.
 * Team bonus: Stables work 20% faster.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Stables work 20% faster.
 * -|Description=

Historically, the Huns were a civilization with no discernible origin besides the steppes of Central Asia that was most active in Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. They are one of the few civilizations that invaded Eastern Europe and displaced many other "barbarian" tribes which caused the Roman Empire to crumble. As a result, their unique unit is the Tarkan, a medium cavalryman armed with a torch that deals high damage to buildings. The most ferocious and courageous Hun warriors were the Tarkans, and they exemplify the Huns as horse riders who raid and pillage buildings. The Huns were known for their irreverence towards artifacts and works of art as well as architectural wonders were no exception. The destruction of Rome brought by the Goths, Vandals, Huns, and other barbarian tribes would later create the term vandalism to describe any senseless destruction, particularly the barbarian defacing of artwork. Their Imperial Age unique technology, Atheism, is a representation of that concept, forcing Wonder and Relic victories to take longer and reducing the cost of the Spies/Treason technology. Being nomads, the Huns have no need for Houses and are only restricted in building units by their resources. The Huns were among the many horse civilizations of Central Asia, and their primacy in battle was because of their horses so their Stables produce units faster. To emulate the fact that their principal fighting force were horse mounted archers, Huns also get cheaper Cavalry Archers. In spite of being nomads, the Huns were skilled in siege warfare, having laid siege to several cities in France, and thus have more accurate Trebuchets.

Koreans
Overview= The Koreans are an Eastern Asian tower and naval civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors, based on Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. The Koreans were not as powerful compared to the other Far Eastern kingdoms but their tacticians made important contributions in innovating cutting edge weaponry when conditions were dire during the Japanese invasions. Being able to successfully defend itself despite the numerical disadvantages, they are a defensive civilization similar to the Byzantines, but focuses more toward ranged units. As a result of their innovation and knowledge of gunpowder imported from the Chinese, the Koreans are one of the few civilizations that have two unique units. One of their most recognized innovation was the Hwacha which fires a series of small bolt like rockets. This is represented by a mangonel with higher range granted by the team bonus and the unique technology. The Castle-based unique unit is the War Wagon, a horse-drawn carriage. The War Wagon fires bolts similar to those fired by the Galleon. While stronger and better armored than the cavalry archers, they are slower and more expensive. The Dock-based unique unit is the Turtle Ship, an armored and spiked ship used to ram into other ships. The Turtle Ship is slower than many other ships, but makes up for speed in raw power and durability. A single Turtle Ship can take down a small fleet of ships, while a fleet of them can annihilate a large part of an opponent's navy. The Koreans were also fine stone workers, especially in crafting sculptures and pottery whose highly prized ceramic coated celadon glaze was the finest in the world. To reflect their stone artisanship and defensive capabilities, their villagers mine stone faster.
 * Specialty: Towers and navy
 * Unique units:
 * WarWagonIcon.jpg War Wagon
 * TurtleShipIcon.jpg Turtle Ship
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Panokseon (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Shinkichon
 * Wonder: Hwangnyong Temple
 * Team bonus: Mangonel line
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Villagers have +3 Line of Sight
 * Stone Miners work 20% faster
 * Tower upgrades are free
 * Towers (except Bombard Towers) have +1/+2 range in the Castle/Imperial Age
 * Fortifications (Walls, Towers, and Castles) built 25% faster (since The Forgotten)
 * -|Description=

Mayans
Overview= The Mayans were a Central American civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors as an archer civilization, best known for their mysterious disappearance around 900 and their ability to build a great civilization in a tropical rainforest climate. Mayans took advantage of the area’s many natural resources, including limestone for construction, the volcanic rock obsidian for tools and weapons, jade and quetzal feathers used in the elaborate costumes of Maya nobility as well as marine shells, which were used as trumpets. To reflect this achievement, their resources last longer and their unique technologies El Dorado and Obsidian Arrows benefit their unique units. The main force of the Mayan army was archers, as they used archers extensively. As a result, their unique unit is the Plumed Archer, an archer with a slightly longer range and more armor. They have a slight advantage in the early game due to the fact that they start with one extra villager for a slight deficit in food. They also have an advantage in the later game because their walls cost half as much as normal and archers cost less depending on age.
 * Specialty: Archers
 * Unique unit: PlumedArcherIcon.jpg Plumed Archer
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Obsidian Arrows (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg El Dorado
 * Wonder: Tikal Temple I
 * Team bonus: Walls are 50% cheaper
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Start game with an extra villager, but -50 food
 * Natural resources last longer
 * Archers are 10%/15%/20% cheaper in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age
 * As a Native American civilization, the Mayans cannot train cavalry and gunpowder units. Therefore, they start the game with an Eagle Scout (Eagle Warrior in The Conquerors) instead of a Scout Cavalry.
 * -|Description=

Spanish
Overview= The Spanish were a Western European civilization featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors as a gunpowder and monk civilization, best known for exploring much of the world across the Atlantic and being the first Europeans to establish colonies along the Caribbean and the Americas. They were also known for defeating powerful Amerindian empires of the New World and introducing Christianity to the region as a result of their powerful navy and superior weaponry. To reflect this achievement, Spanish cannon galleons fire more accurately and requires no gold at the Blacksmith. In addition, they can train more than one unique unit, namely the Conquistador and the Missionary which are all mounted units. The Missionary is the only unique monk in the entire game and is produced at the Monastery. The Missionary cannot pick up relics however. To reflect their widespread religious activity in the Americas, Inquisition allows their Monks and Missionaries to convert faster. As a result of their overseas conquest and their successful search for riches, the Spanish team bonus increases productivity of all allied trade units.
 * Specialty: Monks and gunpowder units
 * Unique units:
 * ConquistadorIcon.jpg Conquistador
 * MissionaryIcon.jpg Missionary
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Inquisition (introduced in The Forgotten)
 * Unique-tech.jpg Supremacy
 * Wonder: Torre del Oro
 * Team bonus: Trade units generate +33% gold
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Villagers construct buildings 30% faster
 * Blacksmith upgrades do not cost gold
 * Cannon Galleons benefit from Ballistics (improved fire rate and accuracy)
 * Gunpowder units fire 15% faster
 * -|Description=

Incas
Overview= The Incas are a Native American civilization introduced in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. They focus on infantry.
 * Specialty: Infantry
 * Unique units:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Temple of the Sun at Macchu Picchu
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Start the game with an Eagle Scout.
 * Start with a free Llama.
 * Villagers benefit from Blacksmith infantry upgrades.
 * Houses support 10 population.
 * Buildings cost.
 * Team bonus: Farms are built 50% faster.
 * -|Description=
 * Houses support 10 population.
 * Buildings cost.
 * Team bonus: Farms are built 50% faster.
 * -|Description=

The Incas were best known for establishing the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The administrative, political, and military center of the empire was located in Cuzco in modern-day Peru whose framework constituted of officials or Kamayuks who kept important records by utilizing a quipu messenger system rather than a formal writing system. These officials also controlled the Incan army which were a collection of the numerous ethnicities they conquered. Much of their army constituted of peasants and farmers which can be conscripted into battle at any time, and to mirror this, their Villagers benefit from Blacksmith upgrades.

The Incas referred to their empire as the Tawantinsuyu which can be translated as "The Four Regions" or "The Four United Provinces". To reflect this achievement, the Incas can train more than one unique unit, namely, the Kamayuk, an anti-cavalry infantry which can attack over other units thanks to their long spears, and the Slinger, anti-infantry stone thrower. Their Castle Age unique technology eliminates their Skirmishers and Slingers' minimum range, referring to the Incas' effective use of slings in combat.

The Incas were also known for their architecture. They did not use mortar, yet their buildings are resilient to earthquakes. To reflect this and their strength in stone working, their buildings consume fewer stone and their Houses support more population. The Incas are also known for their sophisticated farming system which makes extensive use of terracing techniques, and as the result, their team bonus makes Farms build faster.

Indians
Overview= The Indians are a South Asian civilization introduced in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. They are based on Medieval and Mughal India situated on the Indian subcontinent. They focus Camels and gunpowder units.
 * Specialty: Camels and gunpowder units
 * Unique units:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder:
 * Gol Gumbaz (before Rise of the Rajas)
 * Brihadeeswarar Temple (since Rise of the Rajas)
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Fishermen work 15% faster and carry.
 * Villagers are 10%/15%/20%/25% cheaper in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
 * Camels have +1/+1 armor.
 * Team bonus: Camels have +6 attack against buildings.
 * -|Description=
 * Villagers are 10%/15%/20%/25% cheaper in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
 * Camels have +1/+1 armor.
 * Team bonus: Camels have +6 attack against buildings.
 * -|Description=

India is one of the world's most ancient civilizations that has existed for millennia, and Medieval India was also influenced by the introduction of Islam. Indian armies historically depended on elephants, so to depict this, they have the Elephant Archer as a unique unit. The northern part of Medieval India also introduced camels as a vital part of their military force, so they also have a unique upgrade to the Heavy Camel, the Imperial Camel, while their team bonus also provides Camels with an attack bonus against buildings, and their own Camels also have more armor. India in the Middle Ages was a highly advanced civilization that learned the secrets of gunpowder from the Chinese and the Saracens, so to reflect this, their Hand Cannoneers are stronger than other civilizations' because of their Imperial unique technology, Shatagni, which increases their range by one. Indian kingdoms were very wealthy and their Castle Age unique technology, Sultans, reflects this by increasing all their gold income by 10%, including Relics and trade income. Fishing was an important part of the Indian economy, so their Fishermen work faster and carry more food. Thanks to their steady population growth over the centuries, Indian Villagers get cheaper as the civilization advances through the Ages.

Italians
Overview= The Italians are a Mediterranean civilization introduced in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. They focus on archers and ships.
 * Specialty: Navy and archers
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Genoa Cathedral, Cathedral of St. Lawrence
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Dock technologies are 50% cheaper.
 * Fishing Ships are 20% cheaper.
 * Gunpowder units are cheaper.
 * Advancing to the next Age is 15% cheaper.
 * Condottieri are available at the Barracks.
 * -|Description=
 * Condottieri are available at the Barracks.
 * -|Description=

The Italians are based on the medieval states in modern-day Italy, such as Venice, Genoa, Florence, and the Papal States. The Italians' unique unit, the Genoese Crossbowman, is an anti-cavalry archer. Their second unique unit, the Condottiero, is an anti-gunpowder infantry. Situated in southern Europe in modern-day Italy, the Italians were a prime center for European trade due to their strategic location of key port cities, in the game their Fishing Ships are 20% cheaper. As a result, Italian cities became one of the wealthiest in the world during that time. To reflect their economic productivity, the Italians feature cheaper trade units, as well as cheaper upgrades from the Dock. The Italians were best known for being a center of culture and knowledge at the city of Florence during the Renaissance which revolutionized the way Europeans think. This made them ahead of other European kingdoms at that time as a result of trading with the more advanced Islamic and Far Eastern kingdoms, therefore the Italians can advance through the Ages at a lower cost. To represent the technological benefits of the Silk Road, Italians' gunpowder units cost less.

The Italians are one of the people that are cultural descendants of the Roman civilization. The other ones are the Spanish, Portuguese, and the French, that all have also Roman origins, because all these civilizations speak Romance Languages.

Magyars
Overview= The Magyars are a Central European Cavalry civilization featured in the Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. Magyars originated on Asia and then they migrated to modern day Hungary indeed they are based on medieval Hungary. Their unique unit is the Magyar Huszar, a cheap cavalry unit with a bonus against siege weapons. To depict their mideastern origin they have the Recurve Bow as a unique technology that increases their Cavalry Archers' range and attack by one. Their second unique technology is Mercenaries and makes the Magyar Huszar even cheaper by removing their gold cost. Their Villagers kill wolves with one strike. They were excellent blacksmiths and to depict this they have Forging, Iron Casting and Blast Furnace for free. The Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, Hussar cost 15% less. For the team Foot archers get +2 Line of Sight. Magyars are an offensive civilization with great rushing capability because they utilize lots of cheap units in their armies and their economy is also good as they have all the economic upgrades except for the Stone Shaft Mining and Guilds technologies.
 * Specialty: Cavalry
 * Unique unit: Magyar_Huszar_icon.jpg Magyar Huszar
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Mercenaries
 * Unique-tech.jpg Recurve Bow
 * Wonder: Hunyad Castle
 * Team bonus: Foot archers have +2 Line of Sight
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Villagers kill wolves with one strike
 * Forging, Iron Casting, and Blast Furnace are
 * Scout Cavalry, Light Cavalry, and Hussars are cheaper
 * -|Description=

Slavs
Overview= The Slavs are an Eastern Europe infantry and siege civilization featured in the Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten expansion. They represent the eastern European peoples that lately become the founders of Russia, Ukraine and many other eastern European countries that use a Slavic derived language. In Middle Ages many Slavic kingdoms were dominated by aristocrats known as Boyars so they have the Boyar as a unique unit which is a heavily armored cavalry. Slavs adopted the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity as their religion and in order to depict this they have Orthodoxy as a unique technology that gives armor to their Monks. Slavic armies based its force on infantry and to depict this they have powerful infantry units as they have all infantry upgrades and their unique Technology Druzhina, gives infantry Area of Effect damage, making them powerful in groups and against clusters of units also they receive the Tracking technology for free. Slavic economy on the Middle Ages depended mostly on agriculture so in the game the Slavs farmers work 15% faster. Slavs were highly influenced by the Byzantine empire and learned from them many techniques and technologies and to depict this they have cheaper siege weapons. As a team bonus military buildings provide +5 population should save wood.
 * Specialty: Infantry and siege weapons
 * Unique unit: New_Boyar.png Boyar
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Orthodoxy
 * Unique-tech.jpg Druzhina
 * Wonder: Kizhi Pogost
 * Team bonus: Military buildings provide +5 population
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Farmers work 15% faster
 * Tracking is free
 * Siege weapons are 15% cheaper
 * -|Description=

Berbers
Overview= The Berbers are a North African civilization featured in Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. They focus on navy and cavalry.
 * Specialty: Navy and cavalry
 * Unique units:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Hassan Tower
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Villagers move +10% faster.
 * Stable units are 15%/20% cheaper in the Castle/Imperial Age.
 * Ships move +10% faster.
 * Team bonus: Genitour are available at the Archery Range.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Genitour are available at the Archery Range.
 * -|Description=

Berber (Imazighen) states have existed in North Africa since antiquity, existing alongside Romans, Vandals, and Egyptians in the region; the Berbers were also early converts to Islam, and quickly became one of the most prominent ethnicities in the Early Islamic world, alongside Arabs and Persians. In 711 AD, a coalition of Arab and Berber soldiers invaded Spain and established a kingdom that would endure for centuries and make lasting contributions to art, science, and philosophy. They were dreaded in war because of their fast horses and skilled guerrilla warriors. These facts are reflected in the game in their unique units, both of which are powerful counter units, the Camel Archer and the Genitour, two cavalry units that historically used to be very effective against European armies.

Much of their strength was represented in the fact that once they built a base they realized systems of communication in order to connect the camps to each other and respond quickly to the attacks of the enemies. To reflect that, their first unique technology, Kasbah, makes their Castles and the allies' ones produce units and research technologies at a faster rate. Because of moving constantly in the desert, their soldiers were used to fight effectively in hostile conditions or as nomads. While Europeans' cavalry could not survive long there, their troops were deadly ambushers able to hit hard and quick. That is why their second unique technology, Maghrabi Camels, gives their camel units a regeneration ability and also, their Villagers move faster. At last, as a result of their sailing abilities, their ships are faster.

Ethiopians
Overview= The Ethiopians are an African civilization introduced Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. They focus on archers and siege weapons.
 * Specialty: Archers and siege weapons
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Biete Medhane Alem
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Archers fire +15% faster.
 * Receive and  whenever a new Age is reached.
 * The Pikeman upgrade is free.
 * Team bonus: Towers and Outposts have +3 Line of Sight.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Towers and Outposts have +3 Line of Sight.
 * -|Description=

The Ethiopians were historically known for the Aksumite and Zagwe kingdoms, which were dedicated followers of Orthodox Christianity and Judaism. Their architecture was the best in the region, and many stelae and other tall monuments exist to this day. For most of the Middle Ages, Ethiopian kingdoms were defensive - not offensive - powers. They protected their lands from various outsiders (Himyarite, Arab, Portuguese, among others), and kept close watch of movements in their own region. To highlight this, the Ethiopian team bonus grants extra Line of Sight for towers and Outposts.

Ethiopian kingdoms were positioned in a vital area - on the Horn of Africa at the narrow entrance to the Red Sea. This made Aksum a vital center for trade on the Indian Ocean; goods and materials from Europe, India, Arabia, and even China went through Ethiopian ports. Through the ages, they benefited from a regular influx of resources from outside the empire. This is represented in-game with the Ethiopians gaining and  for free whenever they advance an Age.

The Ethiopians were known to be mercenaries for fast deployments to other kingdoms (particularly Egypt) and were known to be very fierce in battle, but underequipped. To highlight the Ethiopian army, the Shotel Warrior, a powerful but fragile infantry unit, can be created quickly in the Castle. Because historically, spears and polearms were a staple of most Ethiopian armies, the Ethiopians get the Pikemen upgrade at no cost.

Along with spears and shotel swords, the bow and arrow were important weapons in Ethiopia, and archers formed the backbone of the kingdom's army. Arabs referred to East African archers as Archers of the Eyes to reflect their expert marksmanship, letting loose showers of arrows aimed at the eyes of their enemies. To reflect these facts, Ethiopian archers fire +15% faster.

Finally, the Ethiopians are one of the few civilizations to have preserved some of the lost technology from the Classical Age after the barbarians destroyed the Roman Empire. They were also exposed through trade to many forms of technology from all over the world. To highlight this, the Ethiopians are the only civilization to access all siege weapons, and have a technology that increases the blast radius for their siege weapons.

Malians
Overview= The Malians are an African infantry civilization featured in the expansion pack Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. Historically, the Malians were known for their very progressive society that puts a lot of emphasis on education and to highlight this achievement, their team bonus increases the research speed for University technologies. West African cultures held women in high esteem, and Malian women participated in every part of society, including the military. This is highlighted with their unique unit, the Gbeto, where it is noted to be the only unique unit that is a female soldier. The Mali and Songhai empires were known to be some of the wealthiest kingdoms in Africa; this was primarily due to the enormous natural wealth at their disposal from gold and salt mines, as well as their effective control of the trans-Saharan trade routes that carried valuable resources to and from the region. To highlight this, the Malians gain Gold Mining and Gold Shaft Mining for free and have access to every Market upgrade. West Africa and the Sahel have sparse vegitation, without many trees. These limited resources meant that the Malians primarily used clay and mud bricks in their architecture, and didn't have as much of a reliance on lumber for their buildings. This is represented in-game with a -15% wood cost for all Malians buildings.
 * Specialty: Infantry
 * Unique unit: GbetoIcon.png Gbeto
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Tigui
 * Unique-tech.jpg Farimba
 * Wonder: Great Mosque of Djenné
 * Team bonus: University researches 80% faster
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Buildings cost -15% wood
 * Infantry +1 pierce armor per Age (starting from the Feudal Age)
 * Gold Mining is free
 * -|Description=

Portuguese
Overview= The Portuguese are a European naval and gunpowder civilization featured in Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. They are a booming naval civilization, which focus on solid late-game economy and base their army strength in versatile gunpowder units and navy. The Portuguese established tactical colonial bases in the New World and particularly on the African coasts thanks to their excellent navigation skills and organization. This is reflected in the game by giving the Portuguese two unique units: the Organ Gun and the Caravel (one of the most effective Navy - at least the most durable -, which can count on a naval unique unit, the Caravel, which is essentially a more agile Galleon able to hit more massed units (in a similar way as the Scorpion), more durable ships (both in hit points and armor), more accurate gunpowder units, and giving them free Cartography from the Dark Age. The Portuguese resolved the problem of being a small nation by basing their economy on foreign-opened exchange and production of their colonies. This meant that most of their income came from abroad, and had a critical impact on the employment in primary sectors and focus on military and exploring purposes. As a result, from the Imperial Age, they are the only faction in the game able to collect resources without employing villagers thanks to the only unique building, the Feitoria. The consequences of all this income is reflected in the reduced gold cost of all military units.
 * Specialty: Navy and gunpowder units
 * Unique units:
 * OrganGunIcon.jpg Organ Gun
 * CaravelIcon2.jpg Caravel
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Carrack
 * Unique-tech.jpg Arquebus
 * Wonder: Belém Tower
 * Team bonus: Free Cartography from the Dark Age
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * All units cost -15% gold
 * Ships have +10% HP
 * Can build Feitoria in the Imperial Age
 * -|Description=

Burmese
Overview= The Burmese are a Southeast Asian civilization in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas. They are based on the Pagan Empire and the later Toungoo Empire and feature as a Monk and elephant civilization.
 * Specialty: Monks and elephants
 * Unique unit:
 * Unique technologies:
 * Wonder: Shwezigon Pagoda
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Lumber Camp technologies are free.
 * Infantry has +1/+2/+3 attack in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
 * Monastery technologies are 50% cheaper.
 * Team bonus: Relics are visible on the map from the game start.
 * -|Description=
 * Team bonus: Relics are visible on the map from the game start.
 * -|Description=

The region around Burma is well known for their wide mountain ranges with lush valleys and a vast amount of forests. To reflect on this, the Burmese get free upgrades at the Lumber Camp. Buddhism played a huge role for the Burmese, teaching the importance of humbleness, not valuing any wealth and luxuries. This is highlighted with their cheaper Monastery technologies as well as their team bonus that reveals the location of Relics on the map.

The Burmese army were feared horsemen in the region that were able to hold off on their own against the Mongol invasion for a while despite their eventual defeat. More particularly, the Burmese were known for their traditional horseback dart throwing, which is reflected on their unique unit, the Arambai, and one of their unique technologies, Manipur Cavalry.

The Burmese were also known for their use of heavily armored elephants, which is reflected with their other unique technology, Howdah, giving Battle Elephants extra melee armor and pierce armor. And finally, the Burmese foot soldiers were trained martial artists with martial arts such as the Aka and Bando, which is reflected with their infantry getting extra attack with every Age advancement.

Khmer
Overview= The Khmer are the Southeast Asian civilization based on the Khmer Empire. They are featured in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas as a siege and elephant civilization.
 * Specialty: Siege weapons and Elephants
 * Unique unit: [[file:Ballistaelephanticon.png|22px]] Ballista Elephant
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Tusk Swords
 * Unique-tech.jpg Double Crossbow
 * Wonder: Angkor Wat
 * Team bonus: Scorpions have +1 range
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * No buildings required to advance to the next Age or to unlock other buildings
 * Battle Elephants are 15% faster
 * Villagers can garrison in Houses
 * -|Description=

The capital of the Khmer Empire was Angkor, one of the largest pre-industrial cities, which was inhabited by one million people at its peak. This is reflected by two of their bonuses: Villagers can garrison inside Houses, and they don't need to build certain buildings to unlock other buildings or to advance to the next ages. Khmer Empire were known to employ war elephants widely for both tactical and logistical purpose. To reflect this, their Battle Elephant moves faster and can be upgraded to deal more damage with the Tusk Swords unique technology.

Khmer Empire were also known to employ the ballista, so their Team Bonus increases the range of Scorpions. Khmer also possess a ballista-carrying unique unit named the Ballista Elephant. Furthermore, the number of missiles fired by both Ballista Elephant and Scorpion can be increased with the Double Crossbow unique technology.

Malay
Overview= The Malay are Southeast Asian civilization based on various kingdoms on the Malay Archipelago before European conquest, mainly Srivijaya and Majapahit. They are featured in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas as an infantry and naval civilization.
 * Specialty: Navy
 * Unique unit: [[file:Karambitwarrioricon.png|22px]] Karambit Warrior
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Thalassocracy
 * Unique-tech.jpg Forced Levy
 * Wonder: Kalasan Temple
 * Team bonus: Docks have +100% Line of Sight
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Age advance is faster
 * Fishing Ships and Fish Traps are 33% cheaper
 * Fish Traps provide unlimited food
 * Battle Elephants are 30% cheaper
 * -|Description=

Kingdoms on the Malay Archipelago were able to field large number of troops because of the archipelago's large population. To reflect this, Malay have a cheap unique unit named Karambit Warrior and a unique technology named Forced Levy where Malay can train Militia-line units without spending gold. Because Malay Archipelago is strategically located on the trade route between India and China, the archipelago was often visited by people from both regions who introduced new cultures and technologies to the locals. This is reflected by one of their bonuses: the Malay advance to the next Ages twice as fast as the other civilizations.

Coastal defence is essential for kingdoms located in the region. To reflect this, Malay Docks and their allies have much longer line of sight. Malay also possess Thalassocracy technology to give their Docks new ability to defend themselves. The vast sea with huge amount of fish is reflected by their Fishing Ship and Fish Trap bonuses. Finally, the Sumatran forest has large number of wild elephants and they are often tamed by local people to do various tasks. This is reflected by Malay's cheaper Battle Elephant bonus.

Vietnamese
Overview= The Vietnamese are a Southeast Asian civilization based on various dynasties in Vietnam before the European colonization. They are featured in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas as an archer civilization with decent teamwork and team bonuses (a trash unit upgrade, a 500 gold tribute to the entire team and the revelation of enemy positions).
 * Specialty: Archers
 * Unique units: [[file:Rattanarchericon.png|22px]] Rattan Archer
 * Unique technologies:
 * CastleAgeUnique.png Chatras
 * Unique-tech.jpg Paper Money
 * Wonder: Bút Tháp
 * Team bonus: Imperial Skirmisher available at the Archery Range
 * Civilization bonuses:
 * Reveal enemy positions at game start
 * Archery Range units have +10%/+20%/+30% HP in the Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age
 * Conscription is free
 * -|Description=

Historically, the Vietnamese were known as one of the few nations who successfully resisted the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. This is mostly attributed to the resistance of the Vietnamese army that mostly consist of peasants and volunteers that were quickly deployed on the battlefield to resist against enemy invasions. To reflect on the Vietnamese peasant army, they get free Conscription once they reach Imperial Age. The Vietnamese were also masters of guerilla warfare, using the Vietnamese jungle and cliffs as their advantage for traps and striking their enemies through the shadows of the Vietnamese jungle. Such guerilla tactics were used against enemy invaders and occupiers, as they withered down the enemy forces. The guerilla tactics were even used against the American troops in the modern times during the Vietnam War. To reflect on the Vietnamese mastery of guerilla warfare, they have a unique upgrade for the Elite Skirmisher, the Imperial Skirmisher, which is available as a team bonus for Vietnamese allies.

The Vietnamese were known to be skilled in archery, and one of their known bows were made of Rattan, a light-weight wood used to make bows. The light-weight material of the Rattan allowed their archers to wear heavier armor in battle. To reflect this, the Vietnamese gain extra HP for their Archery Range units, and their unique unit, the Rattan Archer, is an archer with incredibly high pierce armor. The Vietnamese were also known to breed elephants that were larger than most other elephants in the region, and deploy them in battle, which is reflected with their unique technology, Chatras, which gives extra HP for their Battle Elephants.

Even though the Vietnamese have resisted the Ming Dynasty's occupation and overthrew the Ming rulers in Vietnam, China has a strong influence in the region that shaped the Vietnamese culture. To reflect on China's influence, their unique technology, Paper Money, is a team-based unique tech that grants each Vietnamese ally gold. Finally, the Vietnamese relied on peasant spies and infiltrators to locate enemy camps in order to setup surprise ambushes in the enemy camps. This is reflected with their civilization bonus where enemy Town Centers are revealed in the start of the game.