Overview of "Rise to Glory," a civilization-building board game

About Rise to Glory, from BoardGameGeek:

Rise to Glory is a civilization-building game in which players explore a random map and compete to earn the most glory by researching technologies, building wonders, conquering cites, acquiring great artworks, and launching a starship. Players bid for technologies, trade resources and buildings, and pay each other royalties to build units. They can wage war or join forces against other players, barbarians, or pirates. What makes Rise to Glory different and unique? Epic feel as players develop technologies and deploy big armies. Random map that players gradually unveil and explore. Straightforward mechanics (minimal fuss, maximum fun!). Extensive player interactions (bidding, trading, fighting...). Balanced game system that keeps all players engaged (no elimination). Barbarians &  pirates to spice things up—hordes can be unleashed! Player differentiation with leaders, wonders, unit levels.... Engaging combat system with surprise attacks and alliances. Random events that can be player-specific or affect all players. Extensively play-tested over many years. —description from the designer