Slitherine software
 

Anyone played any of their titles - they look good, but I've never heard of them before ...

http://www.slitherine.com/

Ravenclaw pwns them.

I have Gates of Troy and Spartan, and I really enjoyed them.

Not sure what to say about them, they're sorta Total War-like, but more of a focus on city building and economics than the battles, in the battles you can only set up orders and placement before it starts, and during you only have 3 available options, so you better have a good plan beforehand. The battles can get a bit repetitive, but you can fly through them pretty quickly.

I found the AI to be much much better than in the Total War games, they could actually prove quite a challenge.

I'd definitely say check out the demos. I'm slightly biased because I'd like about any game detailing that time period, but I was really surprised at how much fun the games were.

It's been a while since I've played them though, so I'm a bit rusty on it.

Ugh... "Legion".

I can't believe they made a 'Legion 2' as well.

For me they are a lesser version of Paradox games. Easier but not great.

Nice strategy, but I prefer Paradox games or even Total War Saga

I gave Spartan a try, but in the end it just didn't click for me. It had some cool elements - such as a wide range of diplomatic missions - but overall the game failed to hook me. It lacked life and to me seemed too much like manipulating a system. But there are many who, like Calis, found it appealing. I'd say it's worth a try to see if it works for you.