Get started free Log in
De Vulgari Eloquentia

De Vulgari Eloquentia

2-5
Players
120
Minutes
14+
Age
2010
Published

De Vulgari Eloquentia at your next game night?

Add De Vulgari Eloquentia to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.

Add De Vulgari Eloquentia to my collection

The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.

What to Expect

Set in late medieval Italy, players compete to gain influence in trade, church, and culture. You collect manuscripts in various dialects, use action points to move across the map, and aim to earn victory points by advancing socially and uncovering important documents. Choices include remaining a merchant or climbing the church hierarchy. The gameplay balances resource management with tactical movement.

Who Is This Game For?

Designed for experienced hobby and expert gamers, this 120-minute game requires patience and strategic planning. Suitable for ages 14 and up, it demands prior experience with complex board games and is not recommended for beginners.

How It Works

Players spend limited Action Points to move on the game map (Area Movement) and collect sets of manuscripts (Set Collection). Strategic planning allows social advancement and discovery of key documents. The core mechanics combine action point economy with area control and set collection for scoring.

Action Points Area Movement Set Collection

What Makes It Special

Designed by Mario Papini, the game was nominated for the 2011 JoTa Best Heavy Board Game. It uniquely blends historical themes with a complex mix of Action Points, Area Movement, and Set Collection mechanics, set in the Italian city-states of the Middle Ages.

Awards

  • 2011 JoTa Best Heavy Board Game — Nominated

Pro

  • Historically rich setting in Italian city-states
  • Combination of Action Points, Area Movement, and Set Collection
  • Flexible player count from 2 to 5
  • Nominated for JoTa Best Heavy Board Game 2011

Contra

  • Relatively long playtime of about 120 minutes
  • High complexity requires prior gaming experience
  • Minimum age of 14 limits younger family players

Setting & atmosphere

The game takes place in late medieval Italy, focusing on the rise of the common language Volgare and the social, religious, and economic structures of the time, involving merchants, monks, and nobles.

Tips for beginners

Focus first on collecting sets and managing your action points before exploring more complex strategies.

Frequently asked questions

Can I play this solo?

No, De Vulgari Eloquentia supports 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

Playtime is approximately 120 minutes, with additional time needed for setup.

What prior experience do I need?

This is an advanced strategy game suitable for players experienced with complex board games.

How does this compare to similar games?

It uniquely combines Action Points, Area Movement, and Set Collection mechanics in a medieval Italian setting.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to its complexity and age restriction of 14+, it is better suited for families with older children or experienced players.

What mechanic makes it special?

The mix of Action Points and Area Movement with Set Collection creates a strategically rich gameplay experience.

Fazit

De Vulgari Eloquentia is a rewarding strategy game for players who appreciate historical depth and are willing to invest time in longer sessions. It suits those seeking interaction and thematic complexity.

De Vulgari Eloquentia at your next game night?

Add De Vulgari Eloquentia to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.

Add De Vulgari Eloquentia to my collection