Total war is a series of turn based strategy games where players are pitted with the task of creating an empire, running an economy, navigating armies and conquering your enemies, as well as performing diplomatic duties such as create treaties, and marry off family members to bind royal familes together.
You start off with a capitol city a few gold in your treasurury and an army at your command. The computer takes a turn and then you take a turn. You need to expand slowely and not spread yourself too thin because if you do any enemy army will march into your capitol and you will be powerless against the hordes of enemys.
There have been many total war games, Which can be seen in the following list: