during my campaigns in civilization iv, i still employ my strategy of outward territorial expansion. however, i have begun to notice that expansion becomes extremely easy with technological improvements within my military/artillery sector. sure, i settle my own cities and grow outward from my capital city, but in terms of conquering other empires, advancing your military technology is a must. in my current campaign, i have chosen to play as the greeks. as early as the 3rd or 4th centuries, i began to develop modern firepower. this was extremely beneficial because when i looked to conquer my russian spanish neighbors, it was all too easy. in less than 80 years (in game time), i conquered all 8 of spain's cities. this obviously helped me obtain many more resources essential for future growth.
in the national geographic documentary about jared diamond's book 'guns germs and steel,' there is a section about the spanish military conquest of the mayan empire. the spanish were against horrific odds in terms of man-power, but because of their superior military technology, they were able to conquer the great mayan empire without breaking a sweat.
Along with having superior military, having the technology of flight is essential as well. in my game, i started to only research military areas, and eventually got to the airplanes and airports. this is obviously another huge advantage in moving troops and firepower.
promoting your troops is also extremely beneficial. they gain firepower, and defense strength through this. so when you attack a city (or are being attacked yourself), you can withstand more of a beating, and in turn, dish out more of a beating as well. i'm getting the impression that a respectable path to creating a great empire is to stay ahead of everyone else in terms of military technology.
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i have come to realize similar ideas, but not to the extent to which you have said. Military technology is very important, but while you are expanding and dominating, do you ever find yourself short of men for the protection of your boarders and cities? I realize that having superior weapons is a must to both expansion and military sucess, buti feel that man power is just as important, especially in more modern times, where more civilizations have the same weapons that you do.
Your insights of technological improvements being important in making it easier to expand is exactly my problem with my empire and now that I have historical proof from your reference from Jared Diamonds documentary commenting on the the spanish conquistadors conquering the great mayan empire with little numbers and big firepower have solidified my beleifs of how to make an empire flourish. With your early expansions I wonder if you are having any problems with the barbarian states?
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