Big improvement in diplomatic offers-Trade, Military and Defensive Alliances and Non Aggression Pacts.

Reduced Resistance to occupation by 40%.

Better Building Effects= makes upgrading buildings worth it. Lowered Religious unrest.

Campaign made more difficult per difficulty level-will face more enemy armies and tougher troops. Legendary will be murder.

Better chance of getting diplomatic relations with friendly and neutral factions. More emphasis on trade deals.

Better starting sanitation.

Raised recruitment chance of better sword and spear units.

Raised infantry in siege armies and lowered artillery and missiles. Raised infantry % in all armies including Muslim armies.

Ai will recruit more infantry and less missile units (European Factions).