Great Strategy Games Older Than Age of Empires

For many, the first Age of Empires game on PC is the first strategy video game they would have played. Either that or one of the many sequels in the series. That is mainly because there have been many other strategy games that have the player trying to conquer the enemy by leveling up or advancing their civilizations. However, for every Halo Wars and Battle for Middle Earth style game out there, none seem to quite match up to Age of Empires.