Kallikrates
Prince
Obviously the raging barbarians option excluded.
And some more barbarian activity on higher levels makes sense. But in my experience up to Emperor the effect is not that huge and depends, probably indirectly on the map: If there is not so much space and the available space is settled quickly, there will not be too many. As mentioned, I think I have not seen any barb axes in a long time. I saw more of them as a beginner on Noble, because I didn't settle quickly enough. Of course, some nasty maps with lots of tundra/ice regions that will not be settled soon may be an exception...
And some more barbarian activity on higher levels makes sense. But in my experience up to Emperor the effect is not that huge and depends, probably indirectly on the map: If there is not so much space and the available space is settled quickly, there will not be too many. As mentioned, I think I have not seen any barb axes in a long time. I saw more of them as a beginner on Noble, because I didn't settle quickly enough. Of course, some nasty maps with lots of tundra/ice regions that will not be settled soon may be an exception...