Rome: Total War factions: Julii, Brutii and Scipii starting routes
Compare the Roman families and plan an opening campaign around their different starting positions.
Edition covered
The original 2004 Imperial Campaign and its PC rules. The cover advertises the later Collection. Pictures show the base campaign in Feral Interactive's mobile port, with touch controls and interface differences. Barbarian Invasion, Alexander and Rome Remastered rules are outside this guide.
Compare the opening positions
Julii begin toward northern Italy, Brutii in southern Italy and Scipii at Capua and Messana. These positions suggest different first wars, although you can choose another expansion direction.
| Faction | Likely opening direction | Practical concern |
|---|---|---|
| Julii | Northern Italy and Gaul | Long land frontiers need scouting |
| Brutii | Greece and the eastern Mediterranean | Overseas reinforcement needs fleets |
| Scipii | Sicily and North Africa | Protect routes between separate holdings |
| Senate | Rome | Not a normal playable starting family |
Read the selected victory conditions
Short and long campaigns have different objectives. Check the selection screen and campaign information before assuming that defeating the nearest rival finishes the game.
| Decision | Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Short campaign | Displayed objectives | Targets differ from the long campaign |
| Long campaign | Territory and Rome requirements | Local conquest alone is insufficient |
| Senate mission | Target and remaining turns | A detour can stretch the army |
| Overseas invasion | Fleet and reinforcements | The landing must stay supplied |
Treat Senate missions as decisions
A mission can reward useful expansion, but a poorly timed assignment can scatter your army. Read the objective and deadline before funding a new expedition.
Prepare for Roman rivalry
The Roman families begin allied. The later struggle for supremacy changes those relationships, so avoid leaving all your important Italian settlements without a garrison.
The Roman families begin allied. The later struggle for supremacy changes those relationships, so avoid leaving all your important Italian settlements without a garrison.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Rome: Total War publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Original PC manual | store.steampowered.com |
| Licensed picture gallery | www.feralinteractive.com |
| Official faction reference | wiki.totalwar.com |