@vollorix: Don't worry about posting your own progress, I'm not trying to keep this thread "pure" or anything! I like hearing how others have fought the same campaign. I'm like you in that I can't just sit there for decades, waiting for other powers to build up, at least not without a good role-playing reason. Later on you'll see one method I use to soak up the extra income from all the mines - those "powerful advisors" really come in handy :)

I've tried a couple of Pontic campaign starts where after securing Asia Minor I marched from Syria straight down to Egypt, but this time around I think I'm going to keep my hands off Antiocheia for as long as possible, and let the Syrian Wars play out between the Ptolemaioi and Arche Seleukeia. Who knows, maybe they'll even rebuild their elite MIC in Antiocheia.

@Blacksmith: I really SHOULD have some chariots, shouldn't I? Can't call it a Pontic campaign without them.

@Octavian: Thanks - and welcome to the forum!