Gods of the Ancient World
Designed by Tony Dougherty of The Dukes of Highland
Designed by Tony Dougherty of The Dukes of Highland
What if the Kingdom of Macedonia (Ancient Greek Empire) did not fall apart and what if the Roman Republic became the Roman Empire 100 years earlier? These changes could have been arranged by the machinations of the Gods. Let's imagine what that world might have been like, under constant threat of war, the dawn of democracy and the Gods reining supreme high from their thrones on Mt. Olympus.
In this megagame, most players will take the role of either a Greek or a Roman, attempting to develop the largest, most impressive empire. Some players will be building up their home region by managing their resources, building industry, and manufacturing fleets to sell artisanal goods to distant lands. Other players will be moving troops around the Mediterranean and conquering regions for the glory of their faction. Others will be taking the role of political leaders, developing laws for the betterment of their people whilst vying for their own political standings.
Meanwhile, a third faction of players will assume the mantle of the Ancient Gods - Zeus/Jupiter, Poseidon/Neptune, Hera/Juno, etc. These players will be seeking to gain prayers from the mortals which will empower them to perform miracles and gain influence over their rivals.
Tickets for Gods of the Ancient World will be fully casted. After you purchase a ticket, you will be sent a casting form to fill out, where we will match you to a role we think you will have fun with. All tickets are individual, but there is a place on the form to indicate players you would like to play with.
Tickets go on sale 8pm, 4th of May, 2026 AEST
Both the Greek and Roman factions have a similar structure, each having an overarching Faction Leader such as the King/Queen of Greece, or the Emperor of Rome. There is then also a Faction General for each side, known as the Supreme Commander in Greece and the Imperial Legat in Rome.
The factions are then split into 4 regions each, which make up the lands of each empire. For Greece, these are Athens, Epirus, Macedonia, and Sparta. For Rome, these are Cisalpina, Lucania, Napoli, and Roma.
Each of these regions has a team of 5 members that oversee the aspects of the region. There is a Regional Leader, known as the Governor in both Greece and Rome, a Commander of the military, known as the Strategos in Greece and the Legion Legat in Rome, a Lawmaker, known as a Consul in Greece and a Senator in Rome, an Overseer of resources, known as the Overseer in both Greece and Rome, and a leading Priest, known to be both a Flamen & Oracle in both Greece and Rome.
The capital region of the Greek Empire is both rich in resources and fertile. The southern part of the region has a strong farming community, with agriculture being a cornerstone of the economy. It is based on producing crops like wheat, barley, olives and grapes.
In the north, the mountains are rich in marble and silver mines. Trade, especially in art objects, is a cornerstone of the Athenian economy.
While the Athenian’s are famous for their exploration of democracy, they now find themselves at the head of this Greek Empire. While the King/Queen holds rule, the Athianian people still savour and experiment with democracy and democratic principles at the local level. This dichotomy requires Athens to find a delicate balance between the local regional government and the crown’s wishes. This is considered very unusual in a monarchy during this period of time.
Society is marked by a strong tradition of philosophy and learning, with the Academy of Athens and the Lyceum being two of the most famous institutions of higher learning.
Cisalpina was known for its mountainous terrain and varied climates. Its economy was based on agriculture, forestry and mining. Its fertile valleys were ideal for wheat, barley and grapes and provided rich deposits of minerals, including iron and copper. These metals were highly valued for tool and weapon production.
This region was also well known for its military prowess, with many of its tribes and city-states maintaining large and well-equipped armies. The soldiers were skilled in both infantry and cavalry tactics, and the region was known for its use of chariots in battle. The mountainous terrain also made it difficult for invading forces to advance, giving the region an added military advantage.
Before succumbing to the might of the Roman machine, this region was dominated by a small number of powerful city-states, each ruled by a council of elders or a single leader. These city-states often engaged in conflict with one another over resources, territory, and political power. This strain of independence still runs strong in the local leaders and despite the constant conflict, some still yearn for that freedom.
The Epirus region is a rugged but resource rich area of the Greek Empire. The area is known for its rich natural resources and its trade in metals and has led to Epirus being known as the forge of the Empire. Their important ports allow the people of Epirus to trade for the things they do not have easy access to. The area is very mountainous and notoriously hard to maneuver through.
The climate is mild, with a mix of fertile plains and rolling hills. The economy is based on trade, with the city-states of lonia serving as important centers of commerce and culture.
The society is marked by a rich tradition of philosophy and learning, with famous philosophers such as Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes. Until Epirus joined the Greek Kingdom, the city-states of this region were often in conflict with one another, with political power being held by wealthy elites. The people of Epirus have a strong streak of independence, with the Chaonians, the Molossians, and the Thesprotians tribes all still present in the area. Though they have thrown in their lot in the Greek Empire they still yearn for more independence and greater prestige from their contributions.
Lucania is located in southern Italy and is known for its mild climate, fertile volcanic soil, and scenic coastline. It is is a prosperous region with a strong agricultural output. It also has significant natural resource metal deposits, especially in iron and copper. Because of the natural resources and abundance of food in the region, it does a large amount of trade. It has a prime position in the Mediterranean as a central coastal region, with more-than adequate ports.
Lucania was also renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, with many wealthy citizens living in large villas and indulging in fine food, wine and entertainment. The society is marked by a strong cultural tradition, with a thriving artistic community and a rich literary tradition.
Lucania is a staunch ally of Rome and one of the earliest regions to fall under Roman influence.
It is home to an indigenous people called the Lucani, but while strongly aligned with Rome as a region, the Lucani people and the Greeks had century old diplomatic relations pre-dating Roman influence.
Macedonia is the home of Alexander the Great and a kingdom that once spanned the Mediterranean. While Alexander’s conquests helped fuel the creation of this new Greek Empire it is now seen as one among equals (though if you asked the Macedonian people they would strongly disagree). This period of time is one of extravagance and wealth, where places of entertainment and leisure, such as parks and theaters, proliferate.
Though Macedonia is well Known as a strong military power with a well trained and large military force, the individual soldiers are not as feared as the ruthless Spartans.
The land is rich in farmland and resources and while its location does not contribute to it being a trade powerhouse, it has a strong position. The people of Macedonia have a good argument that this new empire should be known as the Macedonian Empire and not the Greek Empire.
Napoli is a region in Italy known for its fishing, farming and trade goods (weaving and pottery). It is an area of rolling hills and plains, a very pastoral setting. A trading powerhouse earlier in the era, their notoriety has diminished somewhat in recent years.
The society was ruled by a small group of wealthy elites, who held political and economic power. The people of Napoli had their own distinct language, religion, and cultural traditions, before they succumbed to the might of the Roman Empire.
Napoli also contained the Temple to Apollo, one of the most important religious temples in the region. There are also several (currently dormant) volcanoes in the region, including the infamous Mount Vesuvius. These volcanoes could allow the gathering of resources like sulfur and iron as long as they stay dormant.
Sparta is a region respected and feared by other powers. The Spartan’s singular focus on military excellence led them to be a powerful force in Greek culture and politics. While independent, Sparta had suffered several defeats in their last few wars before joining the new Greek Empire, the individual warriors of Sparta are the singular most well trained soldiers in the Mediterranean.
The lands of Sparta are rugged mountains with few natural resources. What agricultural areas are available are worked with the singular purpose of supporting the city and trade is limited.
However this ruggedness works to the Spartan’s benefits in that the territory is very difficult to wage war upon and the natural mountains provide a level of defense to the people that few other Greek territories provide.
Their economy is based on agriculture and livestock breeding, with some fishing to supplement their hot, dry climate farming.
The Roman Capital region is a beautiful and rich region with one of the most advanced cities in the world. The Roman city works like the aqueducts are known throughout the world and provide clean water to an always growing population. Roma is also one of the most populous cities in the world, supported by an extensive farming infrastructure. The economy is based on agriculture (wheat and barley), and the region is famous for its vineyards and olive groves.
Roma is also a center of religious and cultural life, with many temples dedicated to the Gods and festivals held throughout the year.
Roman legions, a professional army that all citizens must serve in at some point, are well trained and very effective in battle.
The region is also well known for its wine production which is often used to assist in the complicated negotiations of its senators.
The Gods play an important role in the lives of all the Greeks and Romans. There are 8 Gods that are primarily prayed to by the people. They go by both their Greek and Roman names.
King of the Gods, God of thunder and lightning
God of the sea, rivers, floods and droughts
God of the Underworld and the dead
God of fire, metalworking and crafts
God of music, knowledge, healing and archery
God of war
God of marriage, childbirth, kings and empires
God of crops and the harvest