Civilization III is a turn-based strategy game developed by Firaxis Games and released in 2001. Players take on the role of a leader of a civilization, guiding it from ancient times to the modern era. The game involves exploring the map, founding cities, managing resources, and engaging in diplomacy or warfare with other civilizations. The game features various civilizations, each with unique abilities and units. Players can win through different victory conditions, such as military conquest, cultural dominance, or scientific advancement. Civilization III is known for its depth and complexity, appealing to fans of strategy games.