Elizabeth I

Lore & Background

Her reign, the Elizabethan Era, forged a moderate Protestant settlement, shattered the Spanish Armada in 1588, and launched the careers of privateers like Sir Francis Drake and playwrights like William Shakespeare. She never married, earning the epithet 'the Virgin Queen,' and her rule is considered a golden age in English history. Her reign provides England with a significant advantage in technology, colonization, and diplomacy, allowing players to pursue historical paths like colonization of the Americas or dominating European trade. In-game, she is a key figure for players seeking to establish a Protestant England and challenge Catholic powers like Spain and France.

Reader's Guide

Her reign is ideal for pursuing colonization, as England's national ideas already boost trade and naval power. Players should use her reign to establish colonies in North America, dominate the English Channel trade node, and weaken rivals like Spain and France. Her high diplomatic skill makes it easier to secure alliances and royal marriages, while her military skill ensures a strong army and navy. After her death, England may face a succession crisis if no heir is produced, so players should secure a strong dynasty or consider forming Great Britain. Elizabeth's reign is a golden window to build a global empire before the 17th century challenges arrive.

Did You Know?

• Elizabeth I is the most filmed British monarch.
• Cate Blanchett was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for playing Elizabeth in Elizabeth (1998) and its sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007).
• Judi Dench won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love (1998).
• Elizabeth's own writings were collected and published by the University of Chicago Press as Elizabeth I: Collected Works.