Introduction

Let me set the scene: You're in your most comfortable chair, sitting in front of your PC, with the lights low, the significant other out of town, and the phone off the hook. You're about to conquer Rome. The sun has just gone down, and you're not planning on stopping until long after the sun has come back up.

I'm assuming that you've already put on your toga (see instructions, below.) It's time to crush anyone who stands in your way. But how?

I wrote up this strategy guide because there was a definite lack of basic Rome: Total War strategies anywhere else. Even the 'official' strategy guide is just page after page of pictures of the units. Great -- that's what they look like -- but how do you use them? We want some vici, not just the vidi!

Fear not, Roman. Whether you're new to the game or you're an advanced player who just wants to compare notes, this strategy guide will go over what it takes to win the single-player campaign game. It'll also cover some general strategies that you can apply to the historical missions and even multiplayer, although the online crowd will prove to be your toughest opponent.

The cornerstone of my strategy is a little something I like to call, "Smackus Maximus." The secret is to always apply the most pressure to your enemy's weakest point. It's all about having the best economy, the best generals, the best governors, and the best battlefield tactics -- a fight fought on your terms is a fight you can't lose!

Read on to discover how Smackus Maximus can work for you. 

Guide by: Dave 'Fargo' Kosak 

On to Cities and Governors...