I try to go slow to enjoy the game. Hard to do when (1) other factions are constantly invading you (even your allies), (2) the Senate keeps giving you missions to attack other factions, and (3) the need for cash forces you to conquer new territory -- from those ungrateful invaders.

Julii, Vh/H, Total Realism Mod

I have the Gauls down to their province in Spain - no ceasefire possible. The Germans are down to 2 Provinces, one under siege - no ceasefire possible. Yet the Brits landed with almost two full stacks and sieged one of the formally gaul towns and agree to a ceasefire every turn for at least 6 turns now, breaking their siege on my town. Go figure.