How do you deal with the initial flood of AI units?

[Rosicrucian]

Let's say you're at peace. It's the middle ages, you don't have railroads yet. You've got 3 pikemen or musketmen in every city, veterans. The AI declares war. Suddenly, a whole flood of units is in your borders. You've got about 6 knights, but they can't get there in time.

How do you prevent this? Is it something I'm doing wrong? You can't have defenses everywhere that can beat back the AI's initial flood. Usualy what happens to me is, the AI takes a city or two, and then I getmomentum and take them back and drive into their territory.

 

[Cruiser]

Be sure all cities are connected by roads, and mass offensive units near the border.

I was once attacked by the Russians who figured they had a larger military - but the vast majority of my units, and all the best ones, was at the most likely location where they'd invade. They moved forward. . . and I attacked and chopped them up. Be sure you have plenty of roads for movement.

 

[Cartouche Bee]

While at peace, in the middle ages, I usually have my mobile offensive forces spread across my borders, thicker on my strong opponents borders. That way they can be used to counter attack when required. Of course, you can not be every where at once, so you have to respond as best you can. It can be better to get half of your offense on the scene in time than none and too late. Also, when bargaining, if your weak at that border you best be cordial to requests unless you are sure of your strength.

Cartouche Bee