Civilization (Parthenon Cover)

Civilization is a game of skill for 2 to 7 players. It covers the development of ancient civilizations from the invention of agriculture c. 8000 B.C. to the emergence of Rome around the middle of the third century B.C. Each player leads a nation of peoples over a map board of the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East as they attempt to carve a niche for themselves and their culture.

Although battles and territorial strategy are important, this is not a war game. It is not won by battle or conquest. Instead, the object of play is to gain a level of overall advancement involving cultural, economic, and political factors, so that such conflicts that do arise are a result of rivalry and land shortage, rather than a desire to eliminate other players. Nomad and farmer, warrior and merchant, artisan and citizen: all have an essential part to play in the development of civilization. It is the player who most effectively changes emphasis between these various outlooks who will achieve the best balance - and win.