Simulated Caesar: computer games are entertaining, but what do we really learn about the past?

Article Abstract:

Computer strategy games such as Sid Meier's Civilization II from Microprose, Age of Empires from Microsoft and Caesars III from Sierra Online, reflect varying degrees of historical sophistication of their creators. They can thus indicate something about how history would play out according to various approaches. Civilization II is engrossing but is based on rather outmoded ideas of cultural evolution. Age of Empires reflects a completely male perspective. Caesars III has some historical anomalies, but is challenging and educational.

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The pride of Poland

Article Abstract:

The excavations on the Polish island of Ostrow Lednicki are described, and Mieszko was the founder of the Polish state, a ruler who built his administrative capital in 966 and first accepted Latin Christianity that year. Mieszko built the country's first monumental architecture on this site, a ring-fort and stone palace.

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Play it again, Seti: more games for armchair potentates

Article Abstract:

The author examines three of Microsoft's Age of Empires II computer games: The Age of Kings, Pharaoh, and Nightfall.

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