i just wondered if anyone knew if the AI actually gets smarter on highter difficulties or is it just harder because of the extra bonuses they have?

~Sha-Feer

I know he gets stupider on easier settings, I once forgot to put the difficulty on monarch (or whatever it is, the one lower than emperor), and left it on the easiest (I had just reinstalled Civ III). I managed to eliminate all the other civs by 400BC, then I realised something was wrong with the difficulty...

The A.I doesn't realy use much better combat tactics, but he is a better statesman (less likely to sighn a peace treaty that cive you all his techs etc, when you are weaker than him). And he researches faster- doesn't launch attacks etc..

I think the primary difference in the AI is starting units and unhappiness levels. I don't believe the way the AI thinks changes any.