Exploration=Science!

[colossus]

Historically, the European ascandancy over the world, beginning in the 16th century, was much accelerated by the great exploration of New World and Far East. The widening horizon of mankind help to enhance science and technology, not only to colonizaing power as Spain but also non-colonizing country as Germany.

Can it not be that a civilization is awarded a beaker for a every three or four squares explored?

It triggers stimulus for civilizations to explore and look outwards. Afterall, the Chinese have declined after turning their back inwards for two millenia.

[OreoFuchi]

I think exploration is already rewarded with science because you encounter other civilizations and can trade with them.

[zyxpsilon]

European exploration meant colonization of regions where resources "were" almost unlimited. By doing so, these countries made the acquisition of land a step into the wild rampage of local tribes.
I believe it is called >conquest<.
Wasting the landscape, and at the same time holding the "holy grail" of ruling by force.
Once all was done, we know exactly how it became;
some more influence to control at the expense of "money spending consumers economy at any cost!"
That's not something to be rewarded for, it is a shame to witness how selfish humanity has become. Give us your rice and weath, and we'll feed your car's combustion engines with polluting petroleum.
Three squares a beaker?
No way, economy for food and peoples rights to live.
China is a self sustaining country, has been before the Europeans did!

[Stuff2]

I agree with what's been said:

Exploration and colonialism is already rewarded.

[Jer8m8]

quote: Originally posted by OreoFuchi on 12-11-2000 12:52 AM I think exploration is already rewarded with science because you encounter other civilizations and can trade with them.

Maybe you could have floating caravans-Merchant Ships?

[Rollo Tomasi]

Civ's not exactly a happy-go-lucky game. The hard facts are that colonization provides resources that improve your economy and in turn your research. That's how the game shows the increase of tech through exploration. Respecting native rights may be all well and good in real life, but in the game, your empire would probably be destroyed by more powerul ones. Or if it did, it would be the size of Angola and just as relevant.