lol, that is funny. I ussually lose my record number of troops defending, and lose relatively few assaulting. (early game) I think that may be because of my affinity for cavalry. (my armies are rarely anything less than 90% cavalry )
My best advice for early game is to stock big into the cavalry. Send peasant if you want (but if you can afford it, pike men or legionairres) with a battering ram to the gates. Meanwhile, have a unit of light cav in loose formation circling just within range and drawing fire. It takes a little management, but usually, not more than two will die (and that if worst case) if done correctely. (that is what I do at least. I do not believe in peasants or expendable troops) As soon as the gate is down, have your cav (in deep narrow formation) charge the gate head on as your archers pour into the back. (note: cav archers circling outside and shooting in as the battering ram does its work is a good idea too. And you won't have to worry about you light cav distraction)
As soon as the first unit(s) of cav makes it through, send them out of the fight deeper into the enemy fortifications, and fill up the gap with your stongest inf. Then have the cav charge back.
This works for me at least.

Vuk