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Part 50
Civilization V

Part 50

Learn about the Ottoman Empire in Civilization V, including the Janissary and Sipahi units, and the leader Suleiman the Magnificent.

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Learn about the Ottoman Empire in Civilization V, including the Janissary and Sipahi units, and the leader Suleiman the Magnificent.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    The Ottoman Empire lasted six centuries, conquering vast territories across Europe, Persia, Egypt, and North Africa, and destroying the Byzantine Empire.
  2. 2
    The Ottoman unique ability, related to barbarian pirates, is considered weak because these units appear early and are difficult to counter effectively, primarily bombarding ground units near land.
  3. 3
    The Janissary is a powerful unique unit that fully heals after destroying an enemy unit and gains a 25% attack bonus when attacking first.
  4. 4
    The Sipahi unit has superior movement compared to the Lancer, does not consume movement points when pillaging a tile, and possesses better sight range.
  5. 5
    Suleiman the Magnificent ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566, expanding its territory significantly and earning respect across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
  6. 6
    Suleiman studied science, literature, theology, and military arts, and gained leadership experience as a governor before ascending to the throne at age 26.
  7. 7
    He aimed to emulate Alexander the Great, planning campaigns against Europe and the Balkans.
  8. 8
    Key historical achievements under Suleiman include the capture of Belgrade (1521), Rhodes (1522), and defeating the Hungarians at the Battle of Mohacs (1526), where King Louis II was killed.
  9. 9
    Suleiman supported John Zapolya for the Hungarian throne against Ferdinand I of Austria, laying siege to Vienna in 1529.
  10. 10
    He established a significant navy under Admiral Khayr al-Din (Barbarossa), which achieved dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean for forty years after defeating Spanish-Venetian fleets in 1538.
  11. 11
    Suleiman waged three major campaigns in Persia (1534-1535, 1548-1549, and an inconclusive third campaign).
  12. 12
    He reformed and codified the empire's legal system, which survived for three centuries, and protected Christian and Jewish subjects, leading to emigration from Europe.
  13. 13
    Suleiman was also a patron of the arts and architecture, commissioning numerous mosques and fostering artistic societies.
  14. 14
    He died in 1566 while campaigning in Hungary, renowned for his wealth, military prowess, and fair treatment of non-Muslims.
Tips
  • Focus on leveraging the Janissary's self-healing and attack bonus for aggressive pushes.
  • Utilize the Sipahi's extra movement for rapid expansion and pillaging without sacrificing turn efficiency.
  • Be aware of the early-game vulnerability to barbarian pirates and plan accordingly.
  • Consider the historical context of Suleiman's reign to understand the empire's strengths and expansionist tendencies.

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