I know alot of ppl will say this, so I'll say this for them:
DON'T PLAY on that DARN MAP!
But really, git a good team together and set up a public game of circus maximus. When the noobs sign on who don't know what they are getting into (noob: Oooh a Roman man, I've always wanted to play one of those), your team will dominate.
A strategy often used is called "line in the sand", where you build lots of forces creating a "line" of your armies that nobody can get around on 3 adjacent territories. from that line, you extend. If it is escalating, the strategy doesn't change much with the map, so bide your time and your armies, and creep up on the weaker players in hopes of striking at the right time.
Thats all i got, for now

hope i helped.