@NodachiSam. I like both Total War and Civilization, but I don't want them both to be the same game. The whole idea of the game is to do whatever you wish in the course of creating your empire. What version of Civ were you playing? #3? I definitly think, judging by what you have said, that you would enjoy the latest version, #4. You do feel you are dealing with relavent history, particularly when completeing wonders and also when Great People (great scientists, Prophets, Engineers, Artists and Merchants) are born. GPs are a new and wonderfully fun part of Civ4, each one having different talents and abilities to help you.

I would definitly recommend that you try it out.