My favorite strategy is to race to tech level 3, start building as many champion cavalry as possible plus enough temples to heal them and then bleed off the ene

My favorite strategy is to race to tech level 3, start building as many champion cavalry as possible plus enough temples to heal them and then bleed off the enemy army/buildings with quick raids. Eventually you can beat any number of siege/elephant units that might come your way. Full towers, fortresses and upgrades are essential though. Building a new civic center near the enemy territory early is a good way to bleed off enemy workers. Same for ships on level with some water.