Strategy & Tactics #330: Mediterranean Empires – Struggle for the Middle Sea 1281–1350 is a two-player strategic-level wargame set during a turbulent period of medieval Mediterranean power politics. Between 1281 and 1350 AD, kingdoms and empires vied for control of the Western and Central Mediterranean, where trade, religion, and warfare intertwined to decide the fate of nations.

• Historical Background: The late 13th and early 14th centuries saw a dynamic struggle for dominance in the Mediterranean. The House of Anjou and the Kingdom of France sought to extend their influence southward, while the Crown of Aragon and its maritime allies battled to maintain control over vital sea lanes and ports. This was an age of naval armadas, mercenary armies, and shifting alliances — a contest of diplomacy and force that shaped the balance of power in medieval Europe. Mediterranean Empires captures this struggle for supremacy at both land and sea, blending military conquest with political intrigue.
• Gameplay & Objectives: One player commands the French and Anjou forces and their allies, while the other leads the Aragonese and their coalition. The map represents the geo-political regions of the Western and Central Mediterranean, with units maneuvering from area to area as they fight for key strongholds and sea routes. Players must balance naval supremacy, territorial expansion, and alliance-building to outlast their rivals. Victory requires not only battlefield success but also strategic control of trade and diplomacy across a fragmented and volatile region.
• Game System & Scale: Mediterranean Empires offers a low-to-intermediate complexity system ideal for players who enjoy accessible yet historically grounded strategic play. The game spans seven turns, each representing a decade of warfare and political maneuvering. Units represent 500 to 2,000 men, reflecting the small but elite armies and fleets that dominated medieval campaigns. The system captures both the grand scope of Mediterranean strategy and the tactical nuances of combined land and sea operations.
• Strategic Challenges: The Mediterranean was the crossroads of empires, faiths, and commerce. Players will navigate shifting alliances, naval battles, sieges, and trade wars as they fight for the soul of the Middle Sea. The struggle between Aragonese maritime dominance and Angevin expansionism creates a tense, asymmetric contest where timing, positioning, and diplomacy are as vital as military might.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map depicting the Western and Central Mediterranean (13th–14th centuries)
• 176 die-cut counters representing armies, fleets, and political forces
• Comprehensive rulebook covering naval warfare, diplomacy, alliances, and campaigns
• Seven-decade-long campaign structure offering long-term strategic depth

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Strategic
Hex: Area-based movement
Turn: 1 Decade (10 years)
Units: 500–2,000 Men

Gameplay Focus: Mediterranean Empires – Struggle for the Middle Sea 1281–1350 immerses players in the age of crusades, maritime republics, and dynastic rivalries. It’s a game of strategy, resource management, and shifting alliances, capturing the intricate political and military landscape of the medieval Mediterranean world.

Strategy & Tactics #330: Mediterranean Empires – Struggle for the Middle Sea 1281–1350 offers a rich, historically detailed simulation for players who enjoy medieval grand strategy and naval conflict on an epic scale.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s most experienced retailer for historical wargames, strategy titles, and military simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast local shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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