I am aware that there are a few people here that play Rome: Total War (or at least still own it ) and in that case I must point you towards a mod that has been in progress for quite some time, there have been previous releases but everything that has been done has just served to build up to one thing: Rome Total Realism 6.0 (released today)

The mod contains new skins, a new map, new AI behaviour and settlements, but most importantly, is centered around realism.
It has a much more realistic recruiting system, with faction units only able to be created in that specific factions country, and "area of recruitment" or mercenary/native units being able to be recruited in areas conquered, dependant on area.
The list of units, both regular and "aor" is extensive, every single unit is centered on a real historical unit, and the quality and realistic feel of them has to be seen to be believed. Granted we can't know everything about history, nor make everything realistic, but it certainly feels much more ancient, and in my opinion more fun, and much much more challenging.

Visit the official site at http://rometotalrealism.com/oldindex.php

Heres a preview:

Real Romans!