Advanced Civilization is a game of skill for two to eight players which covers the development of ancient civilizations from the invention of agriculture to the emergence of Rome as the dominant Mediterranean power - a span of almost 8,000 years. Each player leads a nation of peoples over a mapboard of the Mediterranean and Near East as they attempt to carve a niche for themselves and their culture.
Although battles and territorial strategy are important, Advanced Civilization is not a war game because it is not won by battle or conquest. Instead, the object of play is to gain a level of overall advancement involving cultural, economic, political and religious factors. Conflicts which do arise result from rivalries and shortages of land rather than attempts to eliminate other players. Nomads, farmers, warriors, merchants, artisans, priests and citizens all have an essential part to play in the development of each nation's civilization. The player who most effectively balances these various outlooks will achieve the best balance and win the game.