Rise of Rome

[alogic]

These descriptions were taken from the game Legion it tends to support the idea of Greek colonies established along the coast and in Southern Italy..

Thurii
Thurii in the game is somewhat symbolic of a string of Greek cities on the southern coast. Founded in 444BC on the site of Sybaris, its chequered history featured short-lived leadership of a league of Greek cities, continual pressure from the interior Bruttians and Lucanians, calling in Roman help to precipitate the Pyrrhic War, and joining Hannibal. Soon after the Hannibalic War the Romans planted a colony there, ending its independence

Etruria
The Etruscans had connections, and perhaps origins, in the eastern Mediterranean. They developed a loose ‘League of 12 Nations’ which met at the ‘Fane of Voltumna’ near Volsinii. Their control at one point stretched from Campania to the Po, and included Rome. However, they were pushed back by the Greeks in the south, the Gauls in the north, then the growing power of Rome.

Campania
One of the most fertile areas in Italy, the interior was dominated by the Etruscans, the coast by Greek colonies, early in the period

Here is a page for Syracuse
http://www.barca.fsnet.co.uk/syracuse-history.htm

Syracuse, I believe, is worthy of having their own faction.. separate from Greeks.. Syracuse played an important role during the Punic Wars.. first being allied with Carthage.. then later with Rome.. even Pyrrhus got into the action.. when reading over this particular point in history.. you continually see the name "Syracuse" popping up..

I would like for the Greek Colonies to be a sort of Federation in game.... I can make Syracusan.. Greek.. and Etruscan units.. that look completly different from one another.. but with enough similarities that their greek influence can be seen... here is one of the places where I go.. to get reference when creating my 3d models..
http://www.dbaol.com/armies/army_32_figure_1.htm
http://www.dbaol.com/armies/army_34_figure_1.htm

I will think more about expanding the map.. I'm just afraid of adding too many factions.. Illyrians, Macedonians, Epirotes, Aetolia, Kyrenaica (This part of North Africa would appear on map if Macedon was added)... however I also like displaying Pyrrhus' home province..

Also.. on this same topic.. we need someone to make a strategy map for us.. Making a Lukmap (the map that defines each factions territories) is a major pain in the rump.. This person would really have the final say on what areas the map covers...