DLC – Al-Andalus: Empires of the Western Mediterranean
Overview
This DLC introduces new civilizations focused on the western Mediterranean and medieval Iberia, highlighting the contrast between Christian maritime commerce and Islamic urban splendor. With new civilizations, historical campaigns, and standalone scenarios, Al-Andalus: Empires of the Western Mediterranean emphasizes economy, urban development, and raid-focused warfare.
New Civilization: Aragonese
Focus: Maritime trade and gunpowder transition
Playstyle: Economic–military, Mediterranean dominance
The Aragonese represent the Crown of Aragon, a powerful commercial and naval realm expanding across the Mediterranean since the 12th century.
Civilization Bonuses
- Trade units generate +20% gold starting in the Castle Age.
- Docks and trade ships have +20% HP.
- University technologies cost −15%.
- Access to the Hand Cannoneer.
Unique Unit: Almogavar
Fast shock infantry unit.
- High movement speed.
- Strong melee attack.
- Bonus damage vs archers and gunpowder units.
- High pierce resistance, low melee armor.
Ideal for raids, urban combat, and harassment.
Unique Technologies
- Mediterranean Consulates
- All technologies cost −20%.
- Trade units generate a small amount of food.
- Royal Powder Stores
- Gunpowder units cost −15%.
- Faster artillery training.
Optional Unique Naval Unit
Catalan Galley
Fast warship with bonuses against fishing and trade vessels.
Architecture
Western European style, similar to the Franks, with Romanesque and Mediterranean Gothic influences.
New Civilization: Andalusians
Focus: Agriculture, urban growth, and culture
Playstyle: Economic–scientific with offensive raiding
The Andalusians represent the height of al-Andalus, especially during the Caliphate of Córdoba, one of medieval Europe’s most advanced societies.
Civilization Bonuses
- Cheaper and more productive farms.
- Urban buildings (Market, University, Monastery) cost less.
- Faster Imperial Age advancement.
Unique Unit: Saqaliba
Elite professional mercenary infantry.
- Balanced elite infantry unit.
- Good armor and reliable damage.
- Increased resistance to conversion.
- Bonus damage vs infantry.
Unique Technologies
- Wisdom of al-Andalus
- University and Monastery technologies cost −25%.
- Aceifas / Razzias
- Destroying enemy buildings grants gold or food.
Unit Roster
- Muslim and Berber influences with partial links to the Castilians.
- Strong light cavalry, limited heavy cavalry.
- Good access to archers and hybrid units.
Architecture
Unique Andalusi–Islamic style with open, decorative cities.
Campaigns
- Aragonese Campaign:
- James I the Conqueror — Mediterranean expansion and the conquest of Valencia.
- Alternative: Roger de Flor and the Catalan Company.
- Andalusian Campaign:
- Abd al-Rahman III — Rise and consolidation of the Caliphate of Córdoba.
Additional Historical Battles
- Abd al-Rahman II versus the Vikings in Seville.
- The conquest of Antequera by Ferdinand of Antequera.
Additional Content
- New standalone historical scenarios.
- Potential extra civilization: Taifas or Navarrese.
- Urban prosperity–based gameplay mechanics.