Computer builds cities closer than you can?

[OverWind]

I knew the computer was a cheatin' bastard. But I didn't know that it could build cities closer than the player can.

In my latest game I was winning, and only 2 enemy cities were left. I decided to have some fun with a couple of great artists and culture bombed between the 2 cities. And then suddenly the AI builds a city with only 2 tiles between another of the cities.
Is it common knowledge that the computer can do this, or did I somehow trigger it with the culture bombing?

Screenshot:

(Click to enlarge)

 

[ChandlerB]

That is legal since the cities are completely separated by water.

 

[Maximo the Xth]

Yes, there is an island. This sets the minimun distance between cities to 2. You can do this as well.

 

[OverWind]

That is legal since the cities are completely separated by water.

Ooooh. I did not know of that rule at all. I guess I missed the memo. Thanks a lot for explaining it!

 

[chazzycat]

that's a rule?? I had no idea either