I am more traditional geek, so I use more time in front of the computer than outside... Especially now that it's raining, and especially because it should already be snowing. If there was snow in the ground, I could see enough to sling. Now I doubt I could even find any rocks...
Rome: Total War has bigger armies and is more realistic than Age of Empires series. I'm not sure if the latter is more fun, at least it is faster to play. Total War series takes time.
For strategy, I prefer Dominions series. More strategy, but much worse graphics. And it isn't really historical, but fantasy, but deeps roots in mythology. It's really kind of historical fantasy, as you can research all the myths behind the nations like you could research the historical facts and tools behind the Total War/Age of Empires series. Included are South-American blood cult, Spanish/Catholic priest-state, Jotun giants and Vanir "elves" from Scandinavia, R'lyeh from Lovecraft's work, etc. The game has lots of style.
Mount & Blade is also good, but not strategy. It has medieval weapons, and horses that actually play a big role both in and outside of battle.