This has undoubtedly been suggested before more times than people care to read, but I think it would be a great map, it just requires some fresh input.
So, we start with a view from above of an ancient city, potentially Mayan, Aztec, Incan, etc. The main features could include:
1. A large, central temple(as the centre piece), divided into several territories, with three or more tiers, with flat spots between each. The whole of the temple gains a BIG bonus, or, it could act as an objective to hold to win the game. The story behind this objective, for example, is that it belongs to the most powerful God of the selected race's pantheon, and holding it gains their favour, so they will destroy your enemies for you. A downside to this is that in order to gain that favour, the priests of the temple sacrifice x amount of troops per turn to appease the God.
2. Several smaller temples forming a square around the main temple, dedicated to lesser Gods. Holding one gains a medium bonus.
3. Forming yet another square around the temples, a feature with a small bonus in each corner of the map. Potentially a dock/jetty for escape or water access, some small farms and crop fields, a city barracks, etc etc.
4. Between the corner features, a series of living areas or slums, forming the main population and providing handy connections between each feature.
I think this image explains fairly well the setup I'm trying to suggest, perhaps with a lot less fields, a lot more huts, and a squareish layout.
http://www.lib.uci.edu/libraries/exhibits/meso/images/5.jpg
Suggestions, comments?
