There are actually several things that you can do.

1. As Julii, you have some of what we could call "secure ground" which is usually the territory between the cities which you have up North. You were heading for Patavium which means that you have probably secured Arretium and Ariminum. Do you have a blacksmith at one or both? Do you have an armorer at one or both? Before marching on Patavium, you would do well to send all units to whichever has the better blacksmith/armor facilities. With upgraded weapons and armor, you ought to be able to cut up the Gaulish armies very well. If one of your nearby cities has a temple which adds experience, send them through that as well.

2. Before sending your army, send a spy, very slowly, point to point getting a good look around the surrounding area of the march route. He may find the army out there and actually prevent the ambush.

3. Recon in force. Unless Patavium only has a small contingent of barbarian spearmen, you might want to consider sending more than 600 men. I do not know what your army consists of, but it actually looks inadequate. The minimum for attacking a fortified army should be at least a 3:1 ratio.

4. Always keep in mind that the Gauls and Rebels set up lots of ambushes in that area.

5. With just the armor and weapon upgrades, you should be able to cut up 1000 Gallic warriors unless the AI gets meticulously careful about weapons and armor.

Strength and Honor

Celt Centurion