A funny thing happened after taking out Carthage.

A month or so ago, I was playing as the Scipii, and had been very aggressive. I eliminated Carthage from the game because as somebody said, "if you don't do it fast, they get to be a real pain." So, I made fast work of them. What was funny is that a few turns later, the message came up about Carthage coming up with "clear glass."

I just chuckled, and thought, they weren't around to invent it "this time. Ha Ha!"

I went on to spread West on across Africa, and the Egyptians attacked me from the East. Once they get desert axemen and foundries, THEY can be a real pain too.

When I played as the Egyptians, I prefered "Pharaoh's Guards." They do have their use, but I have since learned that when I play as the Egyptians again, I will keep in mind just how tough the axemen are.

I like playing as the Scipii, but as one of you mentioned, you MUST have a strong Navy, which I often neglect, usually only getting a ship or two to shuttle units around with. Problem is, they seem to get attacked more often when transporting something or somebody much more often than when they are traveling empty. As Scipii, I find myself forced to make a strong navy.

Preference wise, I go for the Julii. As I press North and Westward, there is always great potential to improve the towns as I take them over. The barbarians cannot seem to build or even upgrade stone walls, sewers, baths, academies, and so forth. This gives the Julii has the honor of bringing up the standard of living as they move up, while the barbarians tend to bring down the standard of living as they move down.

I like Red too! Bright Crimson Red! A real "in your face color."

Strength and Honor

Celt Centurion