A tense, economic eurogame for one to four players, charting the rise and fall of the 12th Century's greatest city. The ancient city of Merv. A gateway between the East and the West. A hub of scholarship and trade. The greatest city in the world. In Merv: The Heart of the Silk Road players are vying to amass power and wealth in the prosperous city at the centre of the land. Through careful court intrigue, timely donations to the grand mosque, and securing favourable trade deals, players attempt to redirect as much of that prosperity as possible into their own pockets. Meanwhile, beyond the city walls Mongol hordes approach. If you help construct the city walls you give up on precious opportunities to build up your own stature, but leave it unprotected and you will burn with the city. Every decision is weighty and the consequences of each misstep are dire. Will you rise to prominence or fade into oblivion? Number of players: 1-4 Ages: 14+ Play time: 90 - 120 minutes Components: Board, 25 tiles, 48 cards, 100+ wooden pieces, 100+ tokens