Ok instead of wasting a double post, I just got a grand idea, Chiyu...
Early military units.
There is a possiblity that you might want to bump the time frame from 5000 B.C. to 2100 A.D., but this would be a good early-game strategy.
Here's an example of what I'm talking about:
Clubman
Warrior Class
1
, 1
, cost 10
.
Bonus: None
Requires: None
Upgrades to: Spiked Clubman
Your basic pre-warrior unit. Very cheap, and weak, but used to protect your cities very quickly.
Spiked Clubman (Replacement for Warrior)
Warrior Class
2
, 1
, cost 25
.
Bonus: 50% vs. Melee units
Requires: Masonry
Upgrades to: Axeman
only
A proper upgrade from Clubman, and a replacement for Warrior, it also has a 50% vs Melee units to raise early terrior on your opponents!
Slingman
Archer Class
2
, 1
, cost 15
.
Bonus: 50% city defense, 25% hills defense
Requires: Hunting
Upgrades to: Archer
An pre-archer defense unit. This unit does not have any first strike bonuses, but still a useful early defensive unit.
Spikeman
Warrior Class
3
, 1
, cost 20
.
Bonus: 100% vs. Mounted Units
Requires: Hunting
Upgrades to: Spearman
A replacement and pre-spearman unit. Still strong against mounted units without the copper/iron requirement.
Changes to previous units:
Spiked Clubman replaces Warrior.
Spearman now requires Bronze Working (previously Hunting).
What do you think? Worth the time?