One tip as Seluicids.

If you don't have the money to hire loads of mercenaries in the early game (i didn't, i was too busy building on VH), then you can have real trouble keeping the wolves from the door with only Militia Hoplites and Cavalry, especially when you are struggling to get off the defensive (what with 5 factions attacking you at the same time n'all). However, you do get quite a few family members quite quickly, so instead of using them as governors, mass them all into your main army - in force they are much better than most of the opposition sieging all your towns. If used wisely, you shouldn't lose family members and they'll gain some good experience. Once start getting better troops (levy pikes etc..) you can start retiring them to your main cities.