Quote Originally Posted by Ciaran
I´ve never used forts so far, since I didn´t know they keep rebels down. Otherwise, what´s the point? I can place an army in the open field - or preferably on a bridge - just as well, since I don´t think that it makes any difference of whether the army just stands about in the landscape or camps in a fort, and it can´t be besieged (losing men each turn without any gain - besieging units don´t lose men) or get trapped within the fort in battle.
Well for one, you can just put in a rubbish peasant unit which will hold out for years.. more than enough time to mobilise an army to combat the threat. It saves money, and allows you to increase your military if you're currently weaker than your enemy. Also, a single phalanx unit can hold out for ages during a siege when defending, a massive advantage.