After conquering Syracuse and Agrigentum in Sicily, I was surprised to find that both regions had a fifty percent penalty to food production.
The Sicily of today has poor soil, but in ancient times the soil was some of the most fertile in the ancient world, and the island was the bread basket of Rome for a time, exporting huge amounts of grain. This soil was especially fertile around Syracuse,, and the central plain was also very fertile. This enabled Syracuse to support a huge population and to be one of the greatest cities in the ancient world.
This fact is recognized in The AGE series, where Syracuse can supply a large number of troops, which is especially apparent in the first Punic war scenarios.
I will also mention that though Syracuse fought the Carthaginians for hundreds of years, in many wars, they were never conquered by Carthage.
I respectfully request that the areas containing Syracuse and Agrigentum have the food penalty removed, and get a bonus to food production , which+ should be substantial.
This should enable Syracuse to be a more vital sate,for those who choose to play it.
I will say again how much i enjoy this great game.