How are the turns figured in MP?

[soprismb]

Haven't done MP yet cuz' I'm not good enough. That said, I know that the game engine against the computer is turns based as well. So how are they figured? Is there a set number assigned to each civ 1-16 and then the lowest number goes first automatically, etc...?

 

[Hertsh]

They are played out simultaneuously, with a timer after the first player has ended his/her turn. In other words, if you are quick you can attack another player before he/she has rushed an archer although you in the SP game could have had time during your turn to rush the archer.