"You'll have to conquer other civilizations"
Rise of Nations is a strategy game of what could be called historical breakthrough
You have 18 civilizations or nations, situated in time throughout 6000 years of history. As you progress and conquer territories and prosper you will be able to advance in the evolution of time. It'll depend on your expertise how long it takes you to get it.
It is a multiplayer game that allows up to eight players to play simultaneously. One of the graces of the game, although for others it's a flaw, is that in multiplayer mode you face territories and your enemies may not be at the same evolutionary level as you. Confront those men of the future, or challenge yourself with civilizations with technology far inferior to yours. Conquer their territories and make the world yours.