The result has a lot to do with: - what Civ is next to each other: each civ has unique units, buildings, etc. this can be decisive during an engagement. - res

The result has a lot to do with: - what Civ is next to each other: each civ has unique units, buildings, etc. this can be decisive during an engagement. - resources - what alliances form There is also another factor in play here: you will see that the last civilizations to lose are the ones that secured the corners. This is because they have a smaller border to protect. In this sense it's similar to game of Go, were openings often start with corner enclosures.