Age of Empires Forums

Honestly, (this goes for most well balanced RTS games) There isnt one best civ. Perhaps you should look at a list of civ attributes, and decide what bonuses you think would help you the most.

http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/63605-age-of-empires-ii-the-age-of-kings/faqs/6338 

here is a list

Hunter is absolutely correct. Each civilization suits a different playstyle. I prefer the Byzantines myself because of their versatility (and I just like them historically). They have the capability to turtle or rush because of their variety of tech options, but they do not specialize in one area.

It all depends on how you play of course, but I would suggest learning with the Byzantines because of that versatility, and then trying out the other civilizations to see if one happens to suit you better.

With Huns you don't have to build houses, get cheap cavalry archers and faster working stables.

Pick Japanese, big ecnomy bonus on the water :O

Pick Celts, Woad raiders are awesmoe

Pick Persians, your town center works faster

Pick Britons, you have the ultimate shepherds!

Pick Aztecs, you have +5 carrying and a bug that causes them to farm faster

Pick Mayans, you have 20% longer lasting resources (120 wood from tree instead of 100)

Pick Saracens, you can balance out a bad economy at the market. For the skilled player, the market can be turned into a substitute for a fast castle at 13 minutes and go on a rampage of his choice (Monks suggested)

Pick Teutons, cheap farms and your town center sees a lot of your starting resources.

Pick Mongols, your scout is way better at scouting. 

Pick Vikings, cheap docks and early wheelbarrow and hand carts give you a big economy boost.

Huns pretty op