Time is required to perform tasks, from researching to building. This game stores time as `units` (turns) until you use it.
1 unit (turn) = 1 game day for your empire. If you dont perform any tasks, time stands still. Every game day that passes your empire population grows, collect taxes (money) & resources. The time in the game doesnt pauses or wait for other players (no endturn). Other players can use their time to do their tasks or even attack you later in the game.
If you wish for a faster paced game try playing on the Hourly or Real-Time game speed. Remember there is a different game for each speed therefore you have to signup a new account there. You are allowed to have an account on all game speed, limited to 1 person per game speed.
