As with the previous installments of this game, Egypt is a playable civilization, this time led by Ramesses II, as the male avatar, and Hatshepsut, as the female avatar, with a capital city at Thebes. Ramesses is represented by an AI avatar in a white tunic with pectoral collar, nemes headdress, and false beard (see screenshot). Hatshepsut is represented by an AI avatar that seems to be loosely based on the famous Nefertiti Berlin bust, as she wears a similar distinctive tall headdress and pectoral collar (see screenshot).

When playing as the Egyptian civilization there is not a lot that distinguishes the gameplay as uniquely Egyptian, other than interacting with either Ramesses or Hatshepsut as the civilization’s leading avatars. The player progresses through the same gameplay, the same technological advancements, and the same technological periods as they would with any of the other civilizations. When players choose to play as the Egyptians, however, they can build a unique building, the obelisk, that allows them to convert two regular citizens into priests.

Similar to previous installments of the game, in Civ IV, players can still build a Wonder once they reach a higher level of in-game knowledge. There are three Wonders related to Egypt: the Pyramid, the Great Lighthouse, and the Great Library, although all three can be built by any playable civilization. Players who build a Pyramid Wonder unlock access to all Government Civics (meaning all ruling styles), so, as with previous installations of the game, in Civ IV the burial connotations of this monument are overlooked. Players who build a Great Lighthouse gain bonuses to trade, and those who build a Great Library gain bonuses to scientific output.

Author: Tara Sewell-Lasater