Here's how I do it: -I put my first citizen to hunting mode, create more citizens on a loop.(until i need to build a manor) -build a dock a make 2-4 fishing ships, by then i have built a manor and 2 citizens working on wood, with one of 'em a hero. =THIS IS WHERE I ALWAYS LIKE IT= -It's usually 4:50-5:30 at the most, and I advance. -I advance with the same minor god every time, LETO. -I make 2 counter barracks and one military academy. I make around 5 macemen, 5-10 murmillo(sp?) and 10 turma. I put the automaton upgrade then loop automaton creation on a loop. -I make some ships, store my troops in them, and BOOM, I win( well excepion with ti bloody towers at times.) I'm still in the classical age managing my eco well and have towers and units to defend my base. I got about 8 or 9 citizens on gold and food, 6 on wood.(some of the wood workers are heroes). If need be, I go to heroric and make a few behemoths to destroy his buildings. well that's how it works. You can thumbs up it or thumbs down it if you wish.
-I put my oracles on all end points of the island.