[ano]

Ashdod isn't that terrific as many use to think. It is a widespread opinion that was caused by someone winning several games with them with ease. But game result usually depends on player much more than on nation and there're a lot of very strong nations in middle age besides Ashdod.
Yes, Ashdod is very good but not uber. I clearly remember one very talkative and well-known person doing absolutely nothing with them and being smashed by Ulm who was fighting at several fronts in a couple of turns. So I have to once again say that result depends on player to much greater degree.