You start with 1 city surrounded by Rohan which you start at war with.
Now if you make peace with Rohan then you cut yourself because as soon as you step outside of your land you are on their territory which makes relations worse.
And your starting army is much smaller then theirs.
I did read a guide but the guy who wrote it made it sound like it's a cultural victory which isn't the way i like to play.
Any help on the first 10 turns or so?