That's a crazy situtation there. I can't believe the senate let you get so big. Assassinating that many people must have taken forever. I like to conquer rebel provinces too so I can avoid open warfare. So I like to destroy the plumbing, temples and forums of my not-quite-enemies to start civil unrest.
Then I pack their cities full of spies and wait for rebellions. I used to love that back in STW, I'd have 20 spies moving together that would crash any territory in a turn.
But to be on topic I think the senate likes it when you folow their rules for who to attack and who to be friendly with in their diplomacy pane. But I think 'the people' love it when you start conquering. I generally start romna factions by limiting my allies growth. ie as Julii going into Greece, Carthage and Sicily. Then they can't grow financially and can't get great generals to compete against in the senate.
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