Tips for Mayans?

[splunge the 2nd]

I'm playing as Mayans for the first time. The javelin thrower is a lot of fun.
I'm mostly through the ancient age, missed the republic slingshot and stil in rapid expansion. I'm playing Emporer continents with India, France and the celts. I've mainly been expanding and exploring, picking up barb slaves.
Any general tips for playing as the maya? I'm particularly wondering what victory to try for.

 

[Cyc]

Expansion and development are you key objectives. If you can create a good Wonder builder or two, shoot for getting the Pryamids and the Oracle.

Your advantage is a lot of Settlers and double-speed Workers. Get your road system up quickly. Early Temples in your towns will make you a strong Cultural threat. Lots of roads will give you the Commerce to be a scientific threat.

The Mayans can be a very powerful Tribe if you play them as a major Power. Don't play them like the Romans. Play them more like the Americans. Grow and build, keep your population happy. Get to a Republic. Shoot for an early launch.

 

[Bowsling]

Play a difficulty level higher than normal, too.

 

[darski]

You can begin by reading the Civ review for Mayans.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=87014

It won't let me link to the specific review but you can select it from the list.

 

[splunge the 2nd]

Thanks Darski! I looked int eh civ specific articles in the War Academy and they weren't included. Thanks for the link.

 

[darski]

You're welcome.

I found those Civ reviews very helpful in determining how to approach them.

 

[Richie0]

yes, prepare for the easiest game ever

i like the mayans, but their traits are just ridiculously over the top

you'll have like 10 cities by 1500-2000 BC without even trying

game is pretty much a procession after that, can take it in any direction you want to

 

[Puppeteer]

Target cities on fresh water for the food bonus, especially in the early game.

Warmongering with Javelin Throwers can net you a lot of slaves. Workers are the most important unit in the game, and you might manage to not need to build much of a native work force with all the free slaves.

Do not join a barb slave to a city. They will always be unhappy because you are always at war with all barbarians.

If you started with culturally linked start locations watch out for the nearby Aztecs. They are always attacking me and won't trade reasonably.

 

[Puppeteer]

Another tip: If you are inspired by a forum post to play the Mayans on Emperor with zero research and intending to get tons of slaves from Javelin throwers...and after starting with strong food situation if a bit surrounded by marsh and jungle...

Don't discover on turn 25 that you're probably stuck on an island.

Spoiler :

 

[Bowsling]

I don't see how that strategy could ever work?

Javelin Throwers are a terrible unique unit. Get over that and use the awesome Industrious-Agricultural trait combination to outexpand the AIs with ease. Keep a few around to start your Golden Age, since industrious makes it nearly impossible to start a golden age with wonders.