Barbary States

The Barbary States are a term used for the North African states of Tripolitania, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. In Empire: Total War, they are an unplayable minor nation.

Overview

The Barbary states are an Islamic state under an Absolute Monarchy. They operate on the northern coast of Africa and in the Mediterranean.

The Barbary States act much as the pirate faction of Europe, pilfering trade routes and being a general nuisance to almost every nation (aside from the Ottoman Empire, to whom they are protectorates). Like the pirates, the Barbary States begin the game at war with every nation except the Ottomans. Unlike the pirates, the Barbary States can declare peace, form alliances, broker trade agreements, etc. The Barbary States has a middle-eastern roster of units similar to the Ottomans and Persians.

The Barbary States' navies are not impressive, consisting almost entirely of galleys and light galleys. Therefore, a nation with a properly equipped navy can stand to make a quick profit by seizing Barbary ships.

The Barbary States are the only minor faction that can have a revolution and emerge as a republic. Their republic flag is similar to their monarchy flag, with the exception of red (rather than black) background and lacking the crescent moon.

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