I too like to play a bit historically with the Romans, I guess it comes naturally to any true Roman player. But I made some rules myself to limit my expansion not to be so historically date by date.

The first 70 years are easy if you go slow by conquering the southern cities, Bononia, Patavium and Segesta, then the first punic war, then the inevitable war with the Aediu for Mediolanum and of course I waited for a good opportunity to attack Carthage, they surprised me with an invasion of Sicily and blockading Messana. It took me to 196 BCE to finish the war. but of course i didn't destroyed them, I forced them to became a client kingdom with only Attika and Carthage, and the sub saharan cities where given to Saba.

Then I found myself in an endless war with the Lusitanians, stalk after stalk are defeated, they accept a ceasefire, but within 2 years they are back. For now I am not ready to begin an invasion of inner Iberia, the reason, Greece. Its the year 189 BCE and a war against Epirus and then the Koinon Hellenon followed. There is no need to panzer through the Eb world and conquer all by 200 BCE or to destroy every faction outright, they do need a second chance and can became useful allies sometimes until they betray you, off course. So take your time, its more fun.


Cheers.