computer and infinite money

[soibean]

that would explain alot
but I dont know about the protectorate thing because I can never get anyone to become mine so

[anti_strunt]

How about this, then: Macedon only controls the town or Cyrene, no other territories. I check it out with a spy and there is only a single unit around, the faction leader and his bodyguard. "Hey, that's really cute!" I think and send a diplomat to give them a few thousand denarii while my spy continues on his way, afterwards my diplomat remains right beside the city, giving them small amounts of cash every now and then. The city of Cyrene, mind you, is still just a town (not even a large one IIRC).

And so, one merry old turn, a full stack of gold weapon/silver armour peasants and militia hoplites, supported by several new Macedonian heirs, appear from the wilderness of the Cyrenaican interior. HMMM...

[Kyoujin]

Syracuse begins the game with a decent garrison. Two units of militia hoplites, two standard hoplites, archers, peltasts and greek family member.