Does anyone have any advice (I.E. Civilization/Leader choice, tech line, improvements, etc.)

I want to win by conquest, and I'm playing warlords if that makes a difference.

- Jimmus Dominus

As I understand it, the best way is...

1. Start as Inca
2. Start on a plains hill
3. Build quechas and win

For other leaders/ways, the best is to be able to be anyone that can get a chunk of land fast (creative maybe?). AI's are significantly weakened when they can't trade with each other, so if you can secure a nice piece of land on a duel map you can catch up in tech and eventually get superior units, or use the creative to secure copper or horses. Just my guesses though.

If not Inca, Rome with Preats ftw. Smashy smashy!
Research BW,Agg, Wheel, IW, Myst, Animal Hub, game over by now.
Worker first, chop second worker, warrior-warrior-settler, barracks, chop preats ad infinatum.

Cyrus/darius and horses will get you a guaranteed win, as long as you can pillage their metal, you can pillage them into submission at the least.

quechuas/prets/immortals are just way overpowered.