What's the largest Barbarian city you ever discovered?

[Alberto Schroth]

I'm relatively new to this forum, but have always been fascinated with a continent filled with Barbarian cities.

Regarding Barbarian cities, do they grow with time? I don't believe so, but it would be interesting to know.

I did a quick search and didn't find this exact answer. I'm still looking so please don't flame me.

Best,
Alberto

 

[CivZ]

I'm not sure now, but the largest Barbarian city I've come across was likely 6-7 in size.

Unlike Land Barbarians, Sea Barbarians will hold any cities they capture. Those cities won't develop at all under their rule though, as all they do is build military units - mostly legions.

Attached is an example of a 4-sized Barbarian city.

 

[Mize]

Barbarians will sometimes capture huge cities. I've seen them capture 15+ pop AI cities. If they keep them for long enough they will eventually shrink somewhat, because barbarians don't get the land improvement bonuses of higher forms of government. But 10+ sized barbarian cities are a thing, albeit quite a rarity.
As for barbarian towns growing, I think they might grow, but slowly, and only if they have good land and improvements. I suspect the barbarians prioritize shield production over food and that stunts their cities' growth.

 

[The Phalanx]

The largest I've ever seen is 3 because when they captured the city, it was at 1. They on!y has a diplomat defending them.