This is my first post at civfanatics and my first GOTM that I really going to try to submit. It's also my first Emporer level game so drinks all around on me!

I'd also like to thank all those who post stratagies here as they have made Civ 3 become, for me, one hell of an addiction! My wife does not thank you.
Anyway, I was trying for the QSC but messed up the submittal file so I will save that first for another time. By 1000 B.C. I had encountered the 3 other civ's on the island and decided that I must have this landmass. I was able to complete the GL in 800 B.C. and ride the tech wave all the way to Chemistry/Education (got both on the same turn due to thankfully savy AI trading). However, for whatever inane reason, I was trying to research along the lower branch while conquering the pinks and greens. This wasted a lot of money and probably will cost me later in this game.
By 330 B.C., I had finished by first war with the Baekje and had taken 4 cities and autorazed 1. They were, however, able to build the Pyr. and Great Lighthouse. 1 turn before I launched my second war (20 turns after the end of the 1st), the Baekje had met all the Japanese civ's and sold them my contact. While this was great research-wise, it messed-up my rep. Oh well, they paid for it in spades!
By 250 B.C., Baekje are completely off the continent and settled 1 last city on a little isle east (next to Tak.). At 400 A.D., war with the olives is started. They are completely assimilated by 600 A.D. in one long conflict. I now control the continent down to the neck near the capital of the Han.
However, in two wars and numerous battles, I get exactly 0 great leaders. A bit fat 0! My infrastructure is weak and I am behind (I believe) by at least 4 techs. I finish researching metalurgy only to be beaten by the Han's by 2 turns. I spend way too much money on troop support and happiness to get any real research going. In my previous Monarchy games, I was able to get to Military Tradition 1st and then continue my conquering ways. This time this stratagy looks like it's doomed. I am completely dejected and almost decide to quite.
However, after a good nights sleep, I go back at it. I put the research slider to 0%, change one entertainer to scientists, build up some cash reserves, and go on a tech buying spree. Much to my suprise, I am only 2 techs behind so I am able to wheel and deal quite well, trading for astronomy, banking, physics, military tradition, democracy, etc. all the way to the industrial ages. With the IA tech, I get all the money back, plus more and get lots of luxuries. Everyone is happy and I'm ready to go on an infrastructure/unit upgrading spree. Looks like I might pull this off yet.
