How to unlock the Monument of Leonidas

Only way to "split" an army seems to be having two generals. When you order a general to march to another general, you get a possibility to change troops from on army to another.

Compared to other TW games this seems like a huge drawback to be, because you dont seem to be able to recruit troops to undefended city if there is no general present nor can you leave troops to defend a city when your army marches on. City garrisons are usually not enough to defend a city and you need to carefully place your armies.

It does have a certain point, because roman armies were strictly hierarchical and there had to be a general leading it. It leads some inconsistencies tho, like in case your general is killed, you will be able to recruit a new one to that spot immediately.

This is because trades are going via your nations capital and since Sparta is disconnected from any lands except Athens it is the only trade you can do at the beginning of the game, because they are close to you and that trade is via land. Also note that Sparta does not have a port, so trading via water is out of the equation aswell.

If you want to start trading across the water and in foreign lands you need to take Athens (Historical accurate anyway). This will connect your capital with a port which will allow trading via water.

The red marker in your diplomatic tab means that there is no way to connect your capital with the other factions capital.