Britannia (1986) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Britannia is a historical board game that was first released in in 1986. It was designed by Lewis Pulsipher and published by The Avalon Hill Game Co. The game is set in ancient Britain, covering the period from the Roman conquest to the Norman conquest. Players take on the roles of various factions, such as the Romans, Saxons, Vikings, and Normans, as they compete for control of the island.

Game Components of Britannia

Game board depicting the British Isles

Tokens and pieces for various invading forces (Romans, Angles, Saxons, Jutes, etc.)

Rulebook

Player boards

Event cards

Victory point markers

How To Setup Britannia

Setting up Britannia involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, distributing the tokens and pieces according to the starting conditions of each historical period, and assigning player boards and event cards. Players need to ensure that all pieces are correctly positioned to reflect the historical timeline, starting from the Roman invasion in AD 43.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Historical Timeline: The game spans from the Roman invasion in AD 43 to the Norman Conquest in the 11th century.

Multiple Nations: Each player controls multiple nations throughout different periods.

Area Control: Players aim to control territories and accumulate victory points.

Event Cards: Players use event cards to influence the game and reflect historical events.

Objective: The ultimate goal is to earn the most victory points by controlling key territories and managing the various invading forces effectively.

Player Experience

Playing Britannia offers a rich historical experience, allowing players to delve into the complex and dynamic history of the British Isles. The game requires strategic thinking and adaptability as players navigate through different historical periods and manage multiple nations. The game’s depth and complexity make it engaging for history buffs and strategy enthusiasts alike.

Pros

Historical Depth: Provides a detailed and accurate historical context.

Complex Strategy: Involves managing multiple nations and adapting to changing historical conditions.

Replayability: High replay value due to the variety of historical events and different player experiences.

Educational: Offers a unique way to learn about British history.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has intricate rules and setup, which can be daunting for new players.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can be quite long, often taking several hours to complete.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires a significant amount of time to understand and master the game mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Britannia

Britannia is ideal for history enthusiasts and players who enjoy complex strategy games. It is not a game for casual players or those looking for a quick game session. Instead, it caters to those who are willing to invest time and effort into understanding the game’s mechanics and historical context. For players who appreciate depth and historical accuracy, Britannia offers a unique and rewarding gaming experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.