I think you are ignoring the obvious. Researching fusion as soon as possible then "nuke-rushing" before he can found a second city. You will need to build a minimum of two cottages ASAP for this strat to work. Otherwise, research writing and build a library, have your citizens go to the library and study Latin, once they are fluent build Prats.
Obviously... , just get those cottages cause the 1170 turns left towards Fusion could cause complications otherwise.
Just make sure we trick Ragnar into growing Nidaros too large via gifting him every
/
resouces to maximize the effect.
More seriously:
Its a shame there's no copper visible. Maybe it ll show up as you explore to meet Washington.
Otherwise the dilema between AH and IW is a tough one. Metal may have less immediate uses but its overall more vital and you ll be forced into the jungle very soon.
But we should definitely secure some metal before focusing on economic/wonder techs.
Archers protective or not are second rate units. I do recall succesfully rushing Julius with just protective - cover archers, but then again i have a soft spot for rushing under less than ideal circumstances. I dont think this kind of risk is appropriate here.
Seems the other continet has all the early
resources and we have to depend on calendar ones. No real food rich sites or good coast ones too.
Unless exploration reveals someting really good we ll likely have to make dues with the two mostly flood plains sites till calendar. Meaning pottery gets bonus point too.
I'm reluctant to comment on city sites before any strategic resources show up.