Tribe "Characteristics" in Civilization

[Verrucosus]

The tribes in the original Civilization do not have characteristics in the sense that they always start with a particular technology or have certain additional units at the start of the game.
However, there are indications that some tribes have a better chance of starting in a particular way than others. An example that is frequently mentioned is that the Russians start more often with two settler units than other tribes. Someone recently remarked that she had the impression that the Egyptians have a better chance of starting on a continent of their own than others.
Is there any additional information available on this topic?

[Devil's Advocate]

There might be a civ1 knowledge base in the Civ1 forum. I thought different tribes did usually start with particular techs.