I started my play-test (I forget which version, whichever one I had installed.) as England. Fun game, I control all of Britain and Ireland, and upper France and Catalonia. But, France spawned in a small space between Catolonia and France. Then, the Greek civilization was destroyed, and I grabbed Athens, and the Romans grabbed Sparta.
I currently have the lead, China is right behind me, then followed by Egypt. I have three major allies, Germany, Russia, and Spain, who still won't trade with me.
When India collapsed, China and Persia grabbed all the cities. No one has grabbed Mongolia's cities yet. I also have sent an explorer to North America.