Newbie strategy questions

[Sand]

Got the full Version Last night and stayed up way too late playing it.

Started as Arcoscephale, and was having fun developing spells and finding magic sites -- but then I was attacked and overwhelmed. Ah well.

Restarted as Ulm...and it was like night vs. day! Endless gold, massive troops. No magic? Who cares? I just took out Pythium and am completely dominating Man in what looks to be a hands-down victory.

Obviously magic nations are trickier than martial nations...but even so, what should I have been doing as Arcoscephale to ensure my survival?