Macgruber

If I remember my roman defensive tactics, and I'm pretty sure I do. How about the "lilies" mentioned in the Commentari de bello Gallico. These "lilies" are commonly referred to as trou de loups, or tiger pits. My link

In reality, simple animations rather than dynamic simulations should be more than enough.

Yeah, it might not have been very clear that I intended for the naval speed benefit to be universal.

What size are the planned maps? I'd like to think that we could use larger maps, as other games leave you fighting with massive city-states in what feels like your backyard. The scale feels completely inappropriate. Other than that, how long until ships have swaying/ sail animations?

I like what you've done so far! Great job, but I'm wondering, do corpses decay into skeletons? Or perhaps swap out the dead model for skeleton decals on the ground?

I do have to agree with you on the need for some realism when it comes to depict marines on the decks. However, I think that there is a better method for the gameplay mechanic. Civilian ships would work in much the same way as you describe above, only being able to support a single crew... Military ships would have a dedicated fighting force stationed onboard, possibly consisting of soldiers you load onboard, removing the need to remain stationary, and thusly making a dedicated navy useful, while still making it possible to retain something in the way of a civilian defense.

Astronomy is an easy one. It should increase the movement speed of ships. The reasoning being, that as skilled astronomers, your mariners can plot better courses. Marble work, should unlock major cosmetic structures that provided a "home turf" advantage to defending forces. Nothing motivates soldiers like fighting for ones home. Weaving should allow for the production of the linothorax. Used for the Hellenistic cultures. It could also improve the sails on ships through the use of better, lighter weaves.