Inside Anno 117: Pax Romana’s Story

Welcome, Governors!

Today, we’re diving into Anno 117’s campaign and story, so we’ll be exploring your journey as a Roman governor, the characters you’ll meet, and the challenges you’ll face. If you prefer to experience the campaign with no prior knowledge, we recommend skipping this post, as minor spoilers are ahead.

The Role of Story in Anno 117

If you’ve played previous Anno games, you’ll know that your city evolves in tandem with the story. So, in Anno 117, story milestones unlock new gameplay mechanics – such as needs fulfilment, resource management, and diplomacy - making your sandbox experience feel dynamic and interconnected.

Setting the Stage: Pax Romana

Anno 117’s campaign is set in the year 117 CE, during the Pax Romana – a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire. You assume the role of a newly appointed Roman governor, tasked with exploring and managing the provinces of Latium and Albion.

The campaign is divided into two major acts, each with multiple chapters. Like Anno 1800, once the story concludes, the game transitions into a sandbox mode, allowing you to continue building your empire indefinitely.

Choose Your Protagonist: Marcus or Marcia

For the first time in an Anno game, you’ll play as a specific character, choosing between two siblings:

Marcus Naukratius

The youngest son of Decimus, Governor of Lower Kemet and the Deltas. After a stint managing imperial grain supplies, Marcus is summoned by Emperor Lucius to govern a neglected province near Rome.

Marcia Tertia

The third daughter of the Naukratia household. Expected to marry into power, Marcia’s journey takes an unexpected turn as she steps into a leadership role with far-reaching consequences.

Welcome to Juliana: Rebuilding a Lost City

Your journey begins on a nearly deserted island once home to the city of Ambrosia, destroyed by the eruption of a nearby volcano: Old Occasus. Your first mission is to rebuild it as Juliana, named after the Emperor’s wife.

Guided by your advisor Ben Baalion, a seasoned servant of the imperial court, you’ll navigate the complexities of governance, from managing resources to rebuilding infrastructure.

A Sudden Shift: Enter Calidus

Just as stability begins to take root, a dramatic event shakes the Empire. A new character, Calidus, seizes control of the Senate and declares himself Emperor. Suspecting your loyalty to the previous regime, he exiles you to the northern province of Albion, a harsh and untamed land.

Albion: A Land of Challenge and Opportunity

Your arrival in Albion marks a turning point in the campaign. This is no empty frontier - the Celtic tribes have long called this wild land home. They thrive in an environment that feels alien to Roman sensibilities, mastering the marshlands, rugged terrain, and harsh weather.

Here, your decisions begin to shape not just your cities, but your identity as a Roman Governor. Will you impose Roman order, or adapt to local customs?

Emperors and Endgame Choices

As mentioned earlier, once you complete the second act of the campaign, Anno 117: Pax Romana transitions into sandbox mode. You’ll continue playing in the world you’ve built, but with greater freedom, and new political choices.
Throughout the campaign, your decisions affect not only your cities but also your relationship with the Emperor. He watches your actions closely, and your loyalty (or defiance) will shape future events.

In sandbox mode, you’ll face a pivotal choice:

• Remain loyal to Calidus, the self-declared Emperor.

• Support Julia, the Empress with a different vision for Rome.

Here’s a breakdown of both:

Calidus: The Warlord Emperor

Raised in military camps, Calidus values tradition, discipline, and strength. His preferred deity is Mars, god of war. Uphold Roman customs and fulfill his demands, and you’ll earn his respect. But stray from tradition or reject his authority, and your standing will suffer.

Calidus believes that force is the only path to victory, and his leadership reflects this philosophy.

Julia: The Diplomatic Empress

In contrast, Julia favors diplomacy and cultural integration. She supports the Romano-Celtic path, embracing Celtic traditions without backlash. While politically astute, Julia is somewhat disconnected from the struggles of the lower classes. Her leadership rewards negotiation, cultural adaptation, and strategic alliances.

Governance with Consequences

Each Emperor responds differently to your actions. Your governance style, cultural choices, and military decisions will influence their support—or provoke their opposition. These dynamics add depth to both the campaign and sandbox gameplay, making every choice meaningful.

We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into Anno 117: Pax Romana’s campaign and story mode! The time to lead is nearly here, Anno 117: Pax Romana launches on November 13.