To gain popularity with the people you just need to keep conquering cities which also helps with paying for army upkeep as you have more income.
If your cities aren't liking you it may be due to the proximity to capital factor, is your capital still in italy and all your cites to the east? Cities are happier when they're closer to the capital of the empire so try changing your capital to a nice central place like Sparta, Corinth or Halicarnassus.
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