Berbers

The Berbers are a North African civilization featured in ''Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. ''They have two unique units: the Camel Archer and the Genitour. They are primarily a cavalry and naval civilization. They have a campaign.

They focus on powerful mounted cavalry units, as opposed to the Incas, who rely on infantry. 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, literature, and science. 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; so their castles and the allies' ones produce units and develop technologies in less time. Because of moving constantly in the desert, their soldiers were used to fight effectively in hostile conditions or as nomads. While Europeans' cavalry couldn't survive much there, their troops were deadly ambushers able to hit hard and quick. That's why their camels regenerates and their villagers move faster. At last, as a result of their sailing abilities, their ships are faster.

Description
''Unite the tribes of Northern Africa and prepare your naval vessels to escape the scorching heat of the Maghreb. Set sail to war-torn Iberia to conquer new riches. Can you hold your ground against the scrambled kingdoms of Iberia who are slowly uniting against you?''

Overview
The Camel Archer from the Castle is a Cavalry Archer that counters Cavalry Archers. The Genitour is a mounted Skirmisher effective against archers, available at the Archery Range for both the player and their allies. Their Castle Age technology, Kasbah, allows Castles to create units and research technologies 25% faster, for both the player and their team mates. Their Imperial Age technology, Maghrabi Camels, makes Camel troops regenerate. The Berbers have a pretty good Archery Range, but they lack the Arbalest, Parthian Tactics and Ring Archer Armor. The Barracks doesn't have Halberdiers. The Berbers' Stable lacks Paladins. The Dock lacks Shipwright, but the Berbers have all the other important Dock upgrades and have access to all the late naval units. Combined with the 10% faster ship movements, the Berbers will be a strong civilization on the water. The Siege Workshop lacks Siege Onager and Siege Ram. They get a great economy although they lack Two-Man Saw.


 * Unique Unit: Camel Archer (“anti-Cavalry Archer” Cavalry Archer), Genitour (Mounted Skirmisher)
 * Unique Tech: Kasbah (Team Castles work +25% faster), Maghrabi Camels (Camel troops regenerate)

Civilization Bonuses

 * Villagers move +10% faster
 * Stable units cost -20% (starting from Castle Age)
 * Ships move +10% faster
 * Team Bonus: Genitour (mounted skirmisher) available at the Archery Range

Trivia

 * The Berbers are featured in El Cid campaign as one of the antagonistic factions in the late campaign, and are represented by Saracens and Turks.