From the publisher's website:

Settlers from four major world powers have discovered new lands with new resources and opportunities. The Romans, Barbarians, Egyptians and Japanese all move here at once to expand the boundaries of their empires. They build new buildings to strengthen their economy, excavate mines and farm fields to gather resources, and build barracks and training grounds to train soldiers. They soon discover the area is far too small for everyone and war ensues... Imperial Settlers is a card game that lets players lead one of four factions. The game is played over five rounds, during which players explore new lands, build buildings, trade resources, conquer enemies, and thus score victory points.