GENERAL things

Ikariam is a free online real-time strategy game released in 2008 by Gameforge AG. The concept behind Ikariam is much like Sid Meier's well-known Civilization games. Each player is given a small town and constructs buildings such as Barracks, Ports, and Taverns to create a larger town, and palaces, which are constructed to allow for the expansion of the empire. Unlike most online browser games, Ikariam puts great emphasis on trade and diplomacy, though it does also feature combat. It is impossible for a town to be completely captured by another player, but it can still be pillaged or temporarily be occupied or blockaded.