I lost mine in 1860 AD playing as America. In fact, I have lost all my cities on the continent I began on. So, I went to locate the terra continent, with whatever survivors I could muster. One caravel, a settler, worker, a cannon, and crossbowman.
Luckily, I got away from my enemies and got my ships out into the ocean beyond. First, I found a nice island spot to build a city. Then I sent my caravel to find the terra continet. This took a bit, but I located it. Now I am about to settle my second city there. Things are looking up, at least I am alive. However, I am running out of time. This most likely will be a one more turn game and should keep me busy until GnK comes out. Otherwise, I would have started a new game.
Even still, if I can get some more cities and get my science back up to normal. Hopefully, I can build up a decent naval task force and amphib army to grab back my capital. If I can somehow do that before turns run out, it will be amazing. I am in 1985 AD.
Next time I play a terra map, I will explore much earlier. I got embroiled in several wars at once. Instead of going to the sea, I stood and fought a losing battle, actually thinking I could somehow win. They slowly weakened me over time and I had two cities left when my survivors settled on the island. I then sold one city for gold and resources. I disbanded all my remaining troops 4 rifles and 2 cannon. Then I set my capital to gold focus and wealth, to milk as much gold as possible before it was finally captured. I used the extra cash to buy tiles for my island city. San Francisco!
