Have you considered financing your war?

[bigmattzilla]

So I have realized that it is possible to trade a lump sum of gold for gold per turn, and I have used this fact to my advantage in my war against Hiawatha. The empires of the Ottomans and the French both are making way more gold than I am and are hoarding massive amounts, so I just trade for about 1000 gold at a time. Depending on how much the dude likes ya, you may get a better rate of interest. France would only give it to me for 20 gold per turn for 90 turns (marathon, baby!), so I end up paying 180% over the lifetime of the annuity! But the Ottomans and the Greeks have been giving me pretty decent deals. I think I got 1000 for 12gpt/turn plus open borders (which comes out to a measly 8% interest!).

I have used these sudden cash transfers to purchase units as well as to buy the friendship of many nice city-states, and I have purchased several building as well.

 

[SeptimusOctopus]

even better is this exploit. Basically do what you describe, but then declare war on the guy who just gave you all his gold.

 

[bigmattzilla]

Ah yes, I knew I had left out something!