After playing Julii and Bruti, i tried Cartago and i quite enjoyed it. I learned to love Balearic slingers.
I conquered the whole western Africa and Sicily way before accessing the more powerful troops. Sacred Band troops are serious contenders if not for power, certainly for style, and that counts too.
Oh and legions and praetorians and stuff? Just trample them...

Now i'm trying the Germans. No novelties so far, as i'm still using spears and barbarian cav. There are the screaming ladies but i haven't yet seen noticeable efects of their abilities on the batlefield.