But Sparta is supposed to be this difficult! I would suggest a strategic ceasfire until you can amass the necessary cavalry and artillary to deal with the mighty Spartan Hoplites.

Really, though- if can get enough decent hand to hand troops and cavalry (light lancers work well for this) you should be able to wittle down the Spartan Numbers- or maybe rout the rest of the army so they Spartans are forced to follow suit.

Ok, thanks. Ill try again.

Or once you manage to get that ceasefire you can wait for their army to exit Sparta, then bribe them (could be expensive, but may still be cheaper than having to fight them) and use the oportunity for a quick assult on the weakend city.

Just note that faction leaders and heirs can't be bribed.

Why not just siege them out? If they sally forth, destroy their spartans with archers.

Yeah, I'd go with starving them out, but you need a large missle force to kill the spartans incase they sally.

Heh, when I starved the Spartans, it was not fun. I spent several years waiting them out, but just at the last turn, they attacked.... Damn Spartans... managed to beat them though.

Yeah you'll find larger cities can hold out for upto I think 10 turns IIRC. I can't seem to remember anything higher than 9 turns in my personal experiences but.

But hey, if you aren't in a rush, you may aswell dig in, pull out the fold-out chairs, grab some beer and chips and wait

[This message has been edited by Bartman_82 (edited 11-14-2004 @ 03:04 AM).]

It's easy to siege a town with many men, or better ones!
you divide your army into 3 parts. Three captains, that is.
The A.I. attacks only once per turn (sallies). You set it to abbandon siege, or whatever, but the 2 other armies still besiege! Then you bring the fleeing army back next turn.
The 3rd army is for just in case.
Hope that helps!