If you like "spreadsheet games," you might want to look at Dawn of Discovery (Anno 1404 outside the U.S.). I just tried the demo, and it looks like the mother of all spreadsheet exploration/trading/empire building games.
It's not strictly historical, but follows the general theme of the meeting of Western and Eastern cultures in the 1400's-1500's. The combat element is downplayed, very simplistic and non-tactical. Based on the demo, it looks a little too "Sim City" for me personally. The economic/building/trading system seems like a lot to keep track of (i.e. need to build x number of resources and y fabs to produce z product). I'll probably pass on it, unless I get starved for a strategy game in the next few months.
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