i think tht franks rule...whoever thinks franks suck u dun know aoe at all... the strategy is tht wen u r in castle age jus create knights from 7 different stables at one time...in time these 105 knigts shall become paladins with 18 attack..the contraversy over franks n saracens is tht camels r strong against cavalry but a troop of throwing axeman can take down an equal no. of mamelukes... franks rule ! free farm upgrades gives u unlimited food... u should know how to use a particular civilization in tht way all civs can be gr8.. i think tht these civilizations r top 5 in AOE..
1.franks
2.persians
3.spanish
4.byzantine
5.celts

your opinions may differ, it is on the gamer and his likes to choose a certain civilization... enjoy the game!