But since Civ3 doesn't account for splinter Civs I always thought the inclusion of America as a Civ was ridiculous, as would Australia be.
I always thought they should've gone to the added trouble of allowing a Civ to be designated as a "latecomer" if one of the originals gets obliterated, or perhaps something of a queue. So, when the Babylonians go the way of the dodo as a distinct culture, the Ottomans are set in motion in some remote spot... and when the Byzantines bite it, then the Americans (or Australians) are put on the map.
But those seemingly simple mechanisms are only to be dreamed of, like Civ2-style unit support, and other such luxuries.
- Redking