Theodora (Byzantine Empire)**
When she caught the eye of the future Byzantine emperor Justinian, Theodora was an actress. While a law explicitly forbade men of high rank from marrying actresses, Justinian had the law changed. Two years later, he acceded to the throne and she to the status of empress. With this title, Theodora has evolved the rights of women. She was also instrumental in religious politics, supporting a branch of Christianity that would later become dominant in Ethiopia, Syria and Egypt. Like Justinian, Theodora is considered a saint by many Orthodox churches, even today. In the game, Theodora brings Culture to light
.New ability: Icon Restorer
- Holy Places provide Culture equal to their proximity bonus.
- Farms provide a proximity bonus of Faith to Hippodromes and Holy Places.
Sejong (Korea)***
Widely regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Korean history, Sejong of Joseon promoted science, supported military advances, and produced a book to help farmers incorporate new techniques from different regions. He is also credited with creating the Hangul alphabet, which has since replaced Chinese characters in Korean writing. A lover of science and music, Sejong disliked civilizations that were ahead of Korea in science and culture.
New ability: Hangul
- When you complete your first Technology of a new Era, you receive double your Science per turn in Culture.
Ludwig II (Germany)
A descendant of Bavarian royalty, the so-called « Mad King » ascended the throne at the age of 19. It was during his reign that Bavaria lost its independence to Germany. But he left his mark on his time above all through his passion for architecture. He financed the construction of sophisticated castles with his own money, which, although they led to his ruin and the brutal end of his reign, are today among the main tourist attractions in Bavaria. An enigmatic leader, he preferred civilizations that did not have the maximum number of quarters in each city.
New ability: Swan King
- Culture +2 for Wonders, even unfinished ones, for each adjacent Quarter.
- All Culture proximity bonuses generate tourism once castles are discovered.
