Quote Originally Posted by Tiberius
...Does this giving of territory to the people of Rome make them happy and increase popularity?
I'm not sure whether this one increases popular support (conquering) or Senatorial support (gifting to the senate). Either way, I do not make use of any tricks in the game or try to hasten the civil war. The AI has problems enough without my trying to bugger it up. When I am outlawed or when I feel strong enough (and have the popular support) to take on the empire, the civil war will begin.

Cheers.