As I am "random player", it no matters for me what era we'll play. I am fine as with "big magic" old, as with "technological" third.
So you choose it!
Version: last available, of course. 3.27, I suppose? Something around it.
Map size: I am all for ultra-mega-huge maps, as they gives me freedom I need. But it's strictly for single-player. For multi it will be utterly painful.
So something mid-size will be fine.
For humans, well, you need people with game. Forum post will do, I think, so select preferrable settings and let's put the post into "Forum Games" section!