Played on Normal/Monarch.
Spain has a lot of hammers but relatively slow tech speed compared to other western Euro civs. Therefore Rome must be secured at all costs.
While my troops were in Italy, the Moors DoWed and captuted Barcelona.
I quickly drove them out of Iberia, only to find out that HR had took Rome while i was busy.
I DoWed and vassalized them after taking Rome and Wien and razing Venice. Wien is contested area for Spain.
Another drawback for Spain is their low core pop.
During the Med Age their only core cities are Santiago and Madrid.
Madrid takes a hell lot of time to grow, and Portugal takes one of Santiago's 3 fishing boats.
Therefore extensive expansion before the Renaissance Age is not recommended.
A GS spawns in Cordoba thanks to La Mezquita. Builds academy in Barcelona, the only valid cottage city in Iberia.
Razed Lisbon and vassalized Portugal.
The resource tiles there alone make a good enough reason to conquer them.
Razed Marsille to take the clam for Barclelona.
Peaced out cause Rome was being threatened.
Firearms and Exploration are the two most important techs for Spain.
Firearms enable Tercio, Expl enables Conqs.
They are also Renaissance techs which means your core expands to Barcelona and Cordoba.
