RIVERS

Try to  build your towns along a river. This gives much higher trade, resulting in greater science and more money. Also, you don't need to build the Aqueduct, a crucial timesaver in the Ancient Age. 

In this case, any enemy approaching  from the north would have to attack across the river. 

 

Don't forget to connect your towns with roads. In this case, auto-build road to the dye in the northeast.