Echoes of History The Roman Empire in Anno 117: Pax Romana
Nov 10, 2025
Matt Cook, a senior writer for Anno 117: Pax Romana, dives into the fascinating intersection of history and gaming. He discusses the significant moment of 117 AD in the Roman Empire, emphasizing research challenges and historical accuracy. Cook reveals how influences from pop culture shape the game's tone and addresses the sensitive topic of slavery through narrative rather than gameplay. He shares anecdotes about real historical figures and the unique gameplay mechanics driven by Roman society, all while encouraging players to engage with history creatively.
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Choosing 117 As A Tense Turning Point
- Anno 117 centers the player as a Roman governor balancing imperial demands and local needs.
- Matt Cook framed the setting at Trajan's death to explore cultural and political tensions in 117 AD.
Filling Gaps Without Breaking History
- Historical sources for the Roman era are sparser than modern periods, so the team balanced accuracy and creative filling of gaps.
- Matt Cook sought underlying truths rather than strict one-to-one reproduction of history.
Childhood Reads Shaped Albion's Vision
- Matt Cook drew on Rosemary Sutcliff's The Eagle of the Ninth and Asterix to inspire Albion's dual Roman/Celtic imagery.
- The team considered pop-up factual notes like Horrible Histories but rejected them for immersion reasons.
