How to play Middle Ages map

I always enjoy this map (partly because I just like the middle ages) but I've never had much success on it. It seems like it requires a unique strategy that I haven't discovered yet.
What I do know is:
I've tried being aggressive, but that just gets me eliminated early. Conservative play means I get eliminated later. If I resist the urge to use some or all of my Palace troops on offense, I won't have enough to take any bonus (at only 3/turn). If I use them, I end up eliminated early.
Suggestions for how to approach this map? Thanks!
What I do know is:
- It's critical to keep your palace defended, either itself or at the Square.
- It's usually not worth it to conquer your city
- Enemies really, really like to conquer your palace. If you think it's well-defended, it's probably not.
I've tried being aggressive, but that just gets me eliminated early. Conservative play means I get eliminated later. If I resist the urge to use some or all of my Palace troops on offense, I won't have enough to take any bonus (at only 3/turn). If I use them, I end up eliminated early.
Suggestions for how to approach this map? Thanks!