# Civilization 7 Reveals Its Initial Seven Nations: Aksum, Egypt, Rome, and Beyond!
At Gamescom 2024, fans finally got the much-anticipated announcement of **Sid Meier’s Civilization 7**, heralding the return of one of the most celebrated 4X strategy franchises in gaming history. Civilization 7 is set to usher in a new phase for the beloved series, featuring numerous innovative updates and new gameplay elements. One standout feature is the introduction of fresh civilizations and leaders, with the first seven available nations now disclosed. Let’s explore the details we have about these civilizations and how they will influence the gameplay experience.
## A New Chapter in Civilization
Civilization 7 presents a major transformation in the method by which players choose their civilizations. Unlike earlier games in the franchise that required players to select a leader embedded within a specific culture, Civ 7 enables players to **pick their leader and nation independently**. This revamped approach offers enhanced flexibility and customization, allowing players to shift their culture as they progress through different eras, while maintaining a consistent leader throughout the game.
As of now, the focus is on the **Ancient Era**, with future updates or expansions intended to explore more periods. The inaugural seven civilizations highlighted represent various regions worldwide, each bringing distinct abilities and styles of play. Let’s take a closer examination of these civilizations.
—
## The Initial Seven Civilizations in Civilization 7
### 1. **Aksum**
The **Aksumite Empire** was a significant civilization situated in northeastern Africa, encompassing parts of what are now Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, and Yemen. Aksum stood out in late antiquity for its commercial strength and economic dominion. In Civilization 7, Aksum serves as an **economic powerhouse**, capable of generating extra gold from diverse resources, making it a perfect selection for players who wish to prioritize trade and wealth generation.
### 2. **Egypt**
Ancient Egypt is renowned as one of the most legendary civilizations, celebrated for its grand architecture and dependence on the Nile River. In Civilization 7, Egypt capitalizes on its proximity to **rivers**, which yield bonuses to growth and production. Moreover, Egypt has an advantage in constructing **wonders of the world**, enabling faster building of these monumental sites compared to other civilizations. Egypt fits players who seek to concentrate on infrastructure and cultural supremacy.
### 3. **Greece**
No ancient era would be truly complete without **Greece**. Recognized for its profound contributions to philosophy, democracy, and military capacity, Greece makes its return to Civilization 7 emphasizing both **military and political power**. The Greeks can overpower opponents with their formidable **hoplites**, yet their real strength lies in their ability to sway other civilizations through **democracy**. Greece is a multifaceted civilization suited for players aiming to blend military force with diplomatic skill.
### 4. **Maya**
The **Maya** represented an advanced society in Central America, distinguished by their accomplishments in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture. In Civilization 7, the Maya embody a **science-oriented civilization**, excelling in researching new technologies. Their early breakthroughs in areas like the calendar provide them with a competitive edge in tech development, making them a prime option for players pursuing a **science victory** and aspiring to keep ahead in technological progress.
### 5. **Maurya**
The **Maurya Empire** was a formidable dynasty governing a large portion of the Indian subcontinent in antiquity. Famous for its internal cohesiveness and military might, the Maurya civilization in Civ 7 benefits from **high levels of internal satisfaction** and a **robust military foundation**. This establishes them as a powerful adversary in both defense and offense, perfect for players looking to sustain a solid empire while also expanding their territory through military means.
### 6. **Rome**
The illustrious **Roman Empire** is a civilization that requires no introduction. As one of history’s most significant civilizations, Rome’s impact is still felt in contemporary times. In Civilization 7, Rome merges **cultural strengths** with a **reliable military**, enabling players to enlarge their empire through conquest as well as cultural significance. Rome is a balanced civilization, ideal for players desiring to control the board through a combination of military dominance and cultural influence.
### 7. **Shawnee (DLC)**
The **Shawnee** are introduced as the lone civilization in Civ 7 that belongs to the **Age of Exploration** instead of the Ancient Era. The Shawnee were indigenous to North America, primarily in regions such as Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. In the game, the Shawnee enjoy benefits when settling near **rivers** and excel in **political negotiation**, making them a formidable choice for players focusing on diplomacy and strategic advantages. Yet, the Shawnee are available only as