I rarely build Barracks, I would create a bit more troops if I were you (archers) so you can upgrade them to Crossbow later on and to be on the safe side (so no one thinks you are a weak target but that is not so relevant in this level of difficulty)
I wouldn't have created Damascus there -
I think the 2 important spots to now take are:
+ south to Medina to have the iron, the sheep and the INCENSE !!
+ West of Sparta to steal the silk
Then trade gems for spices to Alexander to ensure happiness flowing in as city grows. You will then need to build workshop --> Colliseum / Circus to be able to continue expanding. Other solution is ignore expanding and go on the war path and raise the 2 opponents.
I wouldn't have created Damascus there -
I think the 2 important spots to now take are:
+ south to Medina to have the iron, the sheep and the INCENSE !!
+ West of Sparta to steal the silk
Then trade gems for spices to Alexander to ensure happiness flowing in as city grows. You will then need to build workshop --> Colliseum / Circus to be able to continue expanding. Other solution is ignore expanding and go on the war path and raise the 2 opponents.