Religion
Religion has been a factor in most Total War games so far. However, its importance has changed over time. Whereas it seriously affects the gameplay in some games of the series, it's a minor factor which barely matters in others.
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Medieval Total War
Rome: Total War
In Rome: Total War religion plays a rather minor role. The factions can build various temples or shrines to different gods. These temples grant bonuses which are in accordance with the role of the respective god. Whereas gods of war tend to give military based bonuses, other gods or goddesses can for example make a region's farms more effective or will improve the health and happiness of the local citizens.
Rome: Total War: Barbarian Invasion
In Rome: Total War, all factions all can build monuments to their gods which only affect the happiness of a settlement. However, in the Barbarian Invasion expansion religion has been reworked entirely.
Religion has become extremely important in people's lives. In the early days of the Empire, religions could quite easily co-exist peacefully but times have changed and religious unrest is now very common.
Religion affects a settlement's happiness considerably. Building a Christian church in a mainly Pagan province will result in considerable unrest and possibly even rebellion. Placing a Pagan temple in a Christian town can cause the same problems. In order to appease their subjects, factions can also decide to build religious buildings of the same religion which is prevalent in a region - even if the faction's main religion is a different one.
