I think you are correct. Augustus played it with Gaius and Lucius in an attempt to teach them military strategery.
As for me, my favorite growing up was "Risk" (Hey, it was game of WORLD DOMINATION for cryin' out loud!). My brother and I and various friends would stay up until all hours playing. Tip: Europe is indefensible. Stick with Africa and the Americas. And Australia is a deathtrap.