Every civilization can experience a Golden Age, a 20-turn period in which every citizen laborer in the empire is more productive, producing one extra shield and/or commerce if already producing at least one. A civilization's Golden Age is triggered in one of two ways: Unique Unit Victory Each civilization has a unique military unit -- one that only it can build. A civilization's Golden Age can begin when its unique military unit is victorious in battle. Note that only victories versus other civilizations are capable of initiating a Golden Age in this way. Victories versus barbarians will not initiate a Golden Age. Great Wonders Each Great Wonder is associated with one or more civilization strengths. If a civilization builds a Great Wonder (or Wonders) that corresponds to both its unique strengths, its Golden Age can be triggered. For example if the Egyptians (industrious and religious) build the Pyramids (which is both a feat of construction and a place of worship), Egypt's Golden Age could begin. Or if the Babylonians (scientific and religious) build the Great Library (scientific) and the Oracle (religious) Babylon's Golden Age could begin.