Okay. We all know that corruption is a ***** and conquered cities are worthless. We also know that on occasion, the AI is fairly generous. So, what does this mean to Joe Bob City Conqueror? It's simple. When you are at war, and you capture a town, DO NOT RAZE IT. Keep it, and then pass it off to the highest bidder! There is a trick to this tho. Don't try to bargain, as it doesn't work. Select the city and then ask what they will give for it? You'll be surprised how generous they are!

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You don't even have to capture a city. Once you are at war, you can found cities in enemy territory without additional penalty, unless the enemy attacked you and has a mutual protection pact that has not yet been activated. So found cities and immediately sell them, preferably to someone on a distant continent. If you're well stocked with settlers, you might even be able to start four cities 2 squares apart in an "X" pattern and sell them (of give them) to 4 different AI civs.