Alexandros and I Am Spartacus

"Alexandros and I Am Spartacus!" presents two remarkable ancient wargames crafted by Mike Markowitz. Originally featured in Command magazine in 1991 and 1992, these games received numerous nominations and awards at the Charles S. Roberts Awards. This expanded edition includes both games, complete with three expansions, resulting in a deluxe package featuring two full-size game maps and updated graphics throughout.

**Alexandros: Conquest & Empire:**
- **Designer:** Mike Markowitz
- **Publication:** First introduced in Command magazine's tenth issue in 1991.
- **Awards:** Nominated for "Best Graphics" and won the "Best Pre-World War II Game" at the Charles S. Roberts Awards.
- **Setting:** Encompasses all of Alexander the Great's campaigns from 334 to 323 BC. One player commands the Macedonians, and the other controls the Persians. The game is easily adaptable for solitaire play. The area map is based on the province boundaries of that era, with quarterly game turns. Tactical combat is conducted using a separate battlefield display where units are assigned to various sectors. Special rules for besieging cities are included.

The duration of play varies depending on the progress of the larger war. There are multiple victory conditions, including eliminating enemy leaders and conquering a substantial amount of territory, which can end the game prematurely. Otherwise, play continues until the summer of 323 BC when Alexander historically passed away. An optional rule allows the game to extend to 318 BC.

**BONUS MATERIAL:** This edition includes two expansions from later Command Magazine editions: "Successors: Clash of Generals, 323-301 BC" and "Xenophon: March of the Ten-Thousand, 401-400 BC."

**I Am Spartacus: The Slave Rebellion Against Rome, 73-71 BC:**
- **Designer:** Mike Markowitz
- **Publication:** Originally featured in Command magazine's fifteenth issue in 1992.
- **Awards:** Finalist for the Charles S. Roberts Award in the "Best Pre-World War II Game" category.

This two-player (solitaire adaptable) simulation revolves around the Third Servile War, a slave revolt that shook the Roman Republic from 73 to 71 BC. Victory is determined by points for territorial control and other factors unless the Roman player captures Rome or the Rebel player captures Spartacus, both of which result in sudden death victories. The game spans 17 turns, with the player amassing the most points declared the winner.

**BONUS MATERIAL:** Additionally, this edition includes an expansion from a later Command Magazine issue titled "Pyrrhic Victory: Legion vs. Phalanx, 280-275 BC," along with various historical and informational articles on the period.

**Complexity:** Low to Medium
**Solitaire Suitability:** Medium
**Time Scale:** Alexandros operates on a seasonal scale, while I Am Spartacus uses a monthly scale.
**Map Scale:** Both games employ an area strategic map.
**Unit Scale:** Legions
**Players:** Two