I'd actually argue against the people who make the claim that Rome is one of the easiest factions. I would agree that it's the easiest in the first 40 turns or so, when things are just getting started, but until they get to the Marian reforms (a daunting 400 turns off), the Romans are heavily reliant on their weaker regional units (I say weaker because, for obvious reasons, the Romans don't get access to the more elite regional units that that region's own faction would have access to) and have a long supply train to keep their legions abroad well-manned. There's also the fact that the Romans have A LOT of regions to conquer in order to achieve their victory conditions and almost always will have to deal with either the yellow fever or the silver death. I'm not complaining, as it makes for a very fun gaming experience, I just want to point out that while the Romans have an easy starting position, things get MUCH harder for them once they leave Italian soil. I would even go so far as to say that when it comes to achieving victory conditions, they are one of the harder factions in the game. Having completed four campaigns I actually found the Arche Seleukeia easier than the Romani, once I'd gotten past the first 10 years or so. So Madoushi, don't feel compelled to play the Romans just because they'll be "easier." There are several non-Romani, non-Qarthadastim factions out there which aren't all that difficult. Why not try the Ptolemaioi? The Arche Seleukeia? A Celtic faction could be nice too. -M