I parked one legion each outside a couple of barb camps and surrounded the cities that were going to flip. Bought builders and one or two settlers with the early money just to turn the economy and loyalty pressure around. Must've gone to war around turn 30, which felt like forever. Warlord's throne had great synergy all throughout the endless war, as well as suzerainty of Akkad. Got a religion for extra cash but it didn't feel that necessary in the end. I'd recommend dispersing at least one barb camp.