Nakor versus the barbs

[Nakor]

Hey Nakor,
you won't be happy seeing the actual turn. Your capital has fallen in a quite ridiculous attack tbh. I expected to lose at least 3 chariots for each spear and was debating with myself if I should even bother to attack or if I should accept your peace offer, wait 10 turns and come back with several axes.
Well, whatever. You didn't do anything wrong imo except for not attacking out with the spears when I did sit on your copper, I think that was your best opportunity to kill me, especially as I get no defensive bonuses. But anyway, you can't do much when the odds are that much in your favor and you still lose.
Kind regards,
Serdoa

Well, not the best way to start a day.

Here is what happened. Serdoa captured one of muy unprotected workers and I refused to sign peace. The he showed up with 5 War Chariots 1440 BC:



I was building spears to protect my cities. There were 2 in the Capita land a warrior and there were 2 in the eastern city with an axe.

1400 BC:





So he moved his 5 War Chariots on my copper. I could attack with my 2 spears with good odds, but after simming it, I feared that my units would be to wounded to defend against the 3 remaining War Chariots, so I kept everything in the city and couldn’t even manage to finish spears in the cities.
In hindsight I should have whipped the Capital again…
Note the 2 extra War Chariots moving in as well.

1360 BC:



And then there are 7. What can I do… just cross my fingers, it seems…
I send Serdoa the following respons:

Thanks for letting me know, Serdoa. Guess the RNG wasn't in my favor today....

The rest of my empire should crumble fairly easily now.
I debated attacking out of the city, but was afraid my spears would be to wounded to defend properly the turn after.
Well, that's how it goes! I hope you go on and win this game.
Cheers,
Nakor

So, guys. beyond the obvious (signing peace, whip the capital again), what could I have done to prevent this from happening?

[Ceiliazul]

Ouch!

I don't really have any specific tactical advice, looks like a case to strategy: farmer vs. raider. Farmer might win in the long term, but first you gotta survive.

What does the power graph look like?

[Nakor]

My power had a bit of a fall due to the loss of 2 spears, 1 warrior and a city.
Whipped an Archer in the western city, but it won't help a lot against 7 War Chariots.
Just hope Serdoa makes it quick!

[Ceiliazul]

I actually was asking about Serdoa's power. Basically, how early could you have looked at the grah and seen he was doing some kind of build up? 7 war chariots is a very sizeable power jump, and could have tippd you off before you actually saw them.

[Nakor]

Yeah, I did see his power spike and responded by building/whipping Spears, but not enough, obviously...

[Ceiliazul]

Yeah, I did see his power spike and responded by building/whipping Spears, but not enough, obviously...

[Nakor]

Thanks!
But as I said to Serdoa, in the end, it's just a game and he played his cards better. Way before mine were even in play, so that's a good game from him. Now let's see if he can pay the high maintenance costs of 3 more cities...

[Nakor]

And another city down, but that cost Serdoa 2 War Chariots!:neenernee