Remember that you cannot run an aqueduct over rocks, and that an impassable line of trees will prevent settlers from getting through. Take a good look at natural landscape features. This will give you time to survey your new domain and plan your initial settlement. Of course, you have one option the ancient Romans never dreamt of: when a new assignment starts, crank the Speed setting all the way down to 10%. You would be well advised to follow their lead whenever you start a new city. From the development of aqueducts and plumbing to the invention of the suburb (“suburbium”-housing located near a city), they had their architectural act together. The Romans were the original city planners. The only way to keep both your fortunes and your precious hide intact is to turn the barren wilderness of Europe into civilized real estate…. Fail, and your head will be set on a pike outside the city walls as a warning to your successor. Succeed, and you will find yourself showered in riches and bathed in the glow of Imperial favor. Here, you must build a series of ever-more impressive cities, all for the glory of Caesar and the advancement of your own career. Welcome to the Roman Empire-cradle of Western civilization, conqueror of half the known world, nightmare of every high school Latin student, and a darned fine place to make a quick denarius.
