Play as a mediterranean civ like Pontus, Thrace, Seleucids, or i think Macedon. Send a general out first turn. Dont spend much money. Next few turns, you will be able to hire merc pelts, slingers, and cretan archers. You now can beat any city, and any army for the next 20 or so turns. Because of the location, your archers and slingers will totally pwn hoplites and you dont have to worry about cavalry. It is very distinctly possible to win an entire siege without losing a single soldier.
I told you I'd be back.