Illumination is a technology in Age of Empires II that can be researched at the Monastery once the Imperial Age is reached. Once researched, Monks and Missionaries need 46% less time to regain their faith after a successful conversion, enabling them to perform another conversion after 33 instead of 62 seconds.
Illumination is a critical technology to research if Monks or Missionaries are regularly used for conversion, especially given its low cost. In conjunction with Theocracy, a group of Monks/Missionaries can become a dangerous threat if used wisely. However, utilizing this requires rather heavy micromanagement.
Availability chart[]
Available | Unavailable |
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Civilizations[]
The following civilizations can research technologies or have bonuses related to Illumination:
Unique technologies[]
- Bohemians: Hussite Reforms gold cost of Illumination replaced with food.
Civilization bonuses[]
- Aztecs: Illumination gives Monks +5 hit points.
- Burmese: Illumination is 50% cheaper.
- Chinese: Illumination is 15% cheaper.
- Spanish: Receive 20 gold after researching Illumination.
Team bonuses[]
- Lithuanians: Researching Illumination is 20% faster.
- Portuguese: Researching Illumination is 25% faster.
History[]
ā | The strength of any religion is its ideas and the faith that these ideas encourage. The message and spread of these ideas can be enhanced by their presentation. During the Middle Ages religions used icons, impressive churches, music, and artwork to help spread and strengthen their message. Enduring symbols of this effort from the Middle Ages are the illuminated manuscripts copied laboriously by hand in the Scriptoria of isolated monasteries. | ā |