Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1972) Board Game

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire board game was released in 1972 and designed by Terence Peter Donnelly. The game takes players back to the ancient world of the Roman Empire, allowing them to experience the rise and fall of one of the most powerful empires in history. With a focus on negotiation and strategic gameplay, players must navigate political alliances and military conquests to emerge victorious.

Game Components of Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Map: A mounted hex grid map representing the Roman Empire in 375 AD.

Player Counters: Counters for Rome, the Huns, the Goths, and the Vandals.

Game Board: Features a hex grid to facilitate movement and combat.

Dice: Used for resolving combat and special actions like the “Appeal to the Gods.”

Victory Point System: Tracking victory points for each player.

How To Setup Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Setup involves placing the game board, which depicts the Roman Empire in 375 AD, and distributing the counters among the four players. One player takes the role of Rome, while the other three players control the Huns, the Goths, and the Vandals. Each player starts with a set of counters and positions them on the board according to the game’s initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Turns: Each player’s turn consists of movement, combat, and additional movement. A full game turn represents five years in game time.

Victory Points: Players earn victory points based on their achievements. Rome earns points for saving cities, while the barbarian players earn points for looting cities and settling on Roman territory.

Appeal to the Gods: Once per game, each player can roll a die and consult a chart for miraculous or devastating results.

Victory Conditions: The player with the most victory points after fifteen turns wins the game.

Recruitment: The Goths and Vandals recruit more fighters based on occupied territory, while the Huns gather recruits by destroying cities and other units.

Player Experience

Playing **Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire** is an engaging and strategic experience. The game demands both skill in strategy and diplomatic ingenuity, as players must navigate complex alliances and rivalries. The game’s historical setting and mechanics provide a deep dive into the chaos of the late Roman Empire, making it both challenging and entertaining.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game offers a well-researched and immersive historical context.

Strategic Variety: Players can employ various strategies, including diplomacy and double-dealing.

Replayability: The game can be played at multiple levels, making it enjoyable for players of different ages and skill levels.

Educational Value: It can be used as an educational aid to understand the period of the Roman Empire’s decline.

Cons

Elementary Rules: Some critics find the rules too simplistic, which can lead to an unbalanced game structure.

Limited Realism: The game simplifies the distinctions between different barbarian tribes, which might not appeal to history purists.

Popularity: Despite its merits, it ranked relatively low in popularity polls, such as the 1976 Simulations Publications Inc. poll.

Personal Thoughts on Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

This game is perfect for those who enjoy strategic board games with a historical twist. It is particularly suited for players interested in the decline of the Roman Empire and the interactions between ancient civilizations. While it may not be as complex or balanced as some modern games, its entertaining and educational value makes it a standout in the realm of historical board games. It is an excellent choice for groups of four players looking for a challenging and engaging game 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.