I won a couple of emperor games on continenental setting before, but I am having real trouble with highland map emperor game. I started off research hunting and animal husbandry, then wheel (to exploit resources and get my UU). With the terrain, I can't build as many cottages as I would like, therefore, my research is stagnant. Also it doesn't help have such a low happiness limit (4 for capital, and 3 elsewhere), I don't have religion nor luxury, so I don't see any way to raise it and grow my city till monarchy. Even then, the upkeep will be a killer since my revenues from cottages are not enough. I was first to alphabete, but had to trade it since I was since 7-8 techs behind each AI. Now it is 225 AD, and I am last in city, land, and tech (5-6 techs behind leading AI). Could you give me tips on how I can play this map better, and maybe show your progress through the game? Attached are the initial start and 225 AD game saves.
