meso dependency on gold and lack of late game raiding

I find it challenging when it gets to late game as meso civs tend to depend heavily on gold for raiding as their main unit for doing so effectively are eagle warriors. they cost so much gold and come late game, especially if theres no trade or relic control, it almost becomes impossible to build up a sizeable raiding force of eagles.

any thoughts or ideas on how best to play meso civs late game?