..If we still want that “straddling” city on the isthmus, on the desert tile north of cows, then--to get both Gems (1H2F6C each!)--the other city we should place either (a) on Horses 3xNW of Mos or (b) 3N of Mos (sugar tiles will be 4F1C each), and this should be settled first: we need money! Otherwise, to get those Gems, it is either (c) 1S of cows (where St. Pete was), (d) 1xSW of cows. And the next city wherever. So, I guess, I want those two settlers finished first.
..We’ve completely ignored the religious path of research and it will take time to catch up researching. Why do it? We might be able to trade for those few early knowledge areas later on, or research quickly right then. We do not get anything form them now; even the wonders have been built elsewhere already. I’d go this way:
..Alphabet, Drama, Mathematics, Sailing, Metal Casting, Calendar, Machinery, Optics…