Did you realize? The creators of Anno 117 are essentially working right above a Roman-Egyptian temple, which has inspired an exciting new feature.
During our major FYNG Show, we also presented some new Anno gameplay from the second playable province. Manuel Reinher, the Creative Director of Anno 117, was even on stage to discuss what was revealed.
He mentioned something that might astonish some of you: he asserted that they had found a Roman temple in the basement of the development studio in Mainz.
It sounds unbelievable, but the tale is indeed true and led to a small feature that you’ll encounter in Anno 117.
You can check out the highlights of our FYNG Show here:
The Roman-Egyptian temple in Mainz
Mainz is one of Germany’s most historic cities, with a history that extends back to Roman times. During this era, the area was known as Mogontiacum and evolved from a legionary camp into a settlement. Even today, Mainz boasts numerous archaeological sites, such as the remnants of an aqueduct, a theater, and a monument dedicated to the Roman general Drusus.
Relatively new, but a highlight of Roman Mainz, is the temple complex in the Römerpassage mentioned by Manuel Reinher. This Roman temple is dedicated to the gods Isis and Mater Magna.
The sanctuary was only uncovered in 2000 during the expansion of the underground parking garage of the centrally located department store. Today, a museum allows visitors to explore the site. Ubisoft Mainz’s offices are also established in the Römerpassage, directly above this ancient Roman temple.
What does this signify for Anno 117?
It seems almost destined that Anno 117, a game set in Roman antiquity, is currently being developed right above this temple. Regardless of its location, the mere existence of the temple holds an intriguing significance for this new city-building game.
As Manuel Reinher explains in the FYNG show, in Anno 117: Pax Romana, you will not only venerate Roman deities and construct temples in their honor. This is because the Romans brought in religious images from conquered lands.
Isis and Mater Magna were worshipped in the Roman temple in Mainz. Mater Magna was a fertility goddess who originally came from Turkey. Conversely, Isis is part of the Egyptian pantheon.
In a similar manner, we should be able to incorporate Celtic deities in Anno 117, including gods like Cernunnos, Epona, and Mercury-Lugus. The fact that this is feasible in the game is also attributable to the discoveries made in temples such as the one in Mainz.
The post Anno 117 pays close attention to a religious detail because a Roman temple was once discovered in the “basement” of the development studio. appeared first on Global Esport News.