Slitherine

Hey;
I'm brand new to this game; got it less than a week ago, and already have 37 hours on Steam. Right now, I'm playing battles on Legate difficulty.
My question is, any custom battle suggestions for a noob? AKA, any custom battle matchups that provide a good challengwe, but are still fairly easy?
I have Immortal Fire and Rise of Persia, but not Legions Triumphant or Age of Belisarius.
If you have any suggestions, I would be very eager to see them.
Thanks!

Gauls or Galatians vs Macedons can be a good one. Play first as Gaul, then as Macedon. It'll teach you how to use warbands, phalanxes, lancer and non-lancer cavalry, skirmishers (mounted and otherwise, in small numbers and in large) and medium foot. I think some of the Macedonian lists have elephants as well. You can learn the basics of the game with that match.

If you want an easy battle, try Romans vs any foot army that doesn't have impact foot or pikes.