This made them ahead of other European kingdoms at that time as a result of trading with the more advanced Islamic and Far Eastern kingdoms, therefore the Italians can advance through the Ages at a lower cost. The Italians were best known for being a center of culture and knowledge at the city of Florence during the Renaissance which revolutionized the way Europeans think. To reflect their economic productivity, the Italians feature cheaper trade units, as well as cheaper upgrades from the Dock and University. As a result, Italian cities became one of the wealthiest in the world during that time. Situated in southern Europe in modern-day Italy, the Italians were a prime center for European trade due to their strategic location of key port cities, in the game their Fishing Ships are cheaper. Their second unique unit, the Condottiero, is an anti-gunpowder infantry.
The Italians' unique unit, the Genoese Crossbowman, is an anti- cavalry archer. The Italians are based on the medieval states in modern-day Italy, such as Venice, Genoa, Florence, and the Papal States. The Italians are a Southern European civilization introduced in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. The Italians' civilization music theme in the Definitive Edition
