Having tried the peace and prosperity route (with limited success), I have gone the other route and tried the domination strategy. This is much more successful. You will never keep up in science or expansion of the AI at the harder levels (Emperor and Deity). The only path I could see was to exploit superior tactical and strategic thinking through use of early military. By capturing the AI cities, I am able to keep up with and exceed the AI in the number of cities. This tends to even out the production bonus.
1. My goal was to take over the first 1 or 2 civs I encountered and exploit the AIs superior production bonus in my favor.
2. To do this, I chose a
1. Militaristic civ - cheaper barracks means veteran units in early days. Increased chance of getting heroes means advantages in building key wonders
2. Expansionist civ - early scouts means I find resources and barbarian huts first. Bonus for booty in huts means I get a leg up on early expansion.
