Minor civilizations (often just called Natives, Minors, Allies, Native Allies) are a common element of random maps in Age of Empires III. They usually offer 3 technologies to research as well as 1 military unit to train which can be built in limited amounts and upgraded twice. All major civilizations can ally with minor civilizations through the construction of a Trading Post on a designated socket at their settlements. Players have access to the technologies and units of the minor civilizations only as long as the Trading Post exists. Including the two expansions there is a total of 22 minor civilizations.