Exactly, Soibean, it hurts, doesn't it?

A great, stabbing pain.

But it doesn't matter, the capitol of the Roman people is now Patavium, which is under siege - and my spies are having Dalminion and Massalia revolt.

It seems to be a matter of luck - always keeps a couple of spies in outlying settlements of the AI factions - and if you get lucky they will rebel and severely halt progress.

It is a good way to assist your allies too, when they lose settlements.

But if anyone has any other tips, by god I would just jump with joy.