quote:

All throughout history, the major conflicts between nations have always been over a contested chunk of land, to which two or more nations, tribes or kingdoms have what they consider a rightful claim.

Here's how (roughly) I believe this could be incorporated into Civ III.

First, give a player the ability to map out a city radius as "claimed land." This can be done regardless of whether certain tiles have already been claimed. Early on in the game, this may be a way for players to keep track of how they want their civilization to expand. Players could claim particularly tempting spots, taking advantage of natural resources, etc.

Upon claiming a city radius of land, the computer will ask you to give that land a name. This is extraordinarily important, not only for keeping track of large numbers of claimed tiles, but for instilling an historical sense in the middle and late game!

Now, incorporate this into diplomacy. Rival civilizations will often demand that you remove your settlers or troops from their own "claimed land." Early on, I think play-testers will find, this claiming of land will become the number one cause of all conflicts, as it should be.

Now, imagine colonization. I've often found sending settlers overseas to be a time-consuming process. Claiming could make a race amongst several civilized nations to settle in a newly-discovered continent incredibly realistic, exciting and memorable.

Imagine it: A rival civilization contacts you. "Your settlers have trespassed upon the land of Palestine. Our claims to this land are ancient and indesputable. Remove them, or face the consequences!"

Now, THAT'S civilization!

Not only borders... contested borders!