Being somewhat bored I've decided to dip my toes once more into the breach and try to save and enhance the Roman Empire. (I've had my butt handed to me on a pewter platter five or six times already since the game was released.)
Through turn 18 I'm at war with the usual 10 to 15 barbarian factions. I retreated or abandoned about 20 of the outlying provinces, reducing the buildings to gain early coin. I've stabilized a core area, and have had unexpected success with settlement and city garrisons when defending. In fact in Africa, I'm on the attack. I hope to stabilize that area before the attacks on Spain begin. Limited success elsewhere though, as can be expected. Trying to get things up to speed before the Mongols and the Germanic factions start throwing multiple armies my way.
Looking for ideas on how to proceed and focus. Income is steady and "very" slowly climbing, in spite of having to rebuild razed settlements.
Thoughts?