oney is strange stuff. With absolutely no intrinsic value, its sole purpose is to acquire other things. It is a means, not an end. And so it will be with your cities. Money is never a specific goal for city governors, and yet all must manage it wisely if they are to succeed at the goals they have been set.

The Emperor grants you a generous sum to found your colony, but that will run out all too soon. When it does, your city had better be generating a profit, or be very near to doing so. Caesar might sometimes come to your aid with supplemental funds, if your assignment is particularly important to the Empire. And he will often secure permission from Rome's senate for you to run a temporary deficit.

This is a lifeline, but one which can be dangerous to your future. The city pays interest of 10 percent on any negative balance, making it that much harder to earn a profit. And, if worse comes to worst and you still owe money when your credit line expires – well, hope that you do not. Your Favor rating falls whenever Caesar has to rescue you from financial trouble.

Apart from the initial sum you are given to invest in a new city, and possible additional investments if Rome thinks it appropriate , your city can raise money from two sources: taxing its people, and exporting its products . Provinces vary in their industrial resources, but export income is frequently extremely significant. Always make a point of seeing how to make some profits from exports (see Trade, page 129).