I really loved Stronghold when I was a kid. It was one of my first pc games that I played all the time. I guess it is similar to Age of Empires. Try the 2001 version although it is hard to find it. Stronghold Crusader had a different atmosphere for me but try it if you can't find the 2001 version.
And try out Heroes: Might and Magic 3. I played this game probably even before Stronghold. I invested a lot of time when I was a kid and tried out other versions when I was growing up. The 3rd one is probably the best game from all 6 versions. 4th part gets a lot of hate although I enjoyed it too and 5th one was the best regarding graphics and animation. Try the 3rd one out, it is really fun and addicting. Some time ago there was an announcement that they are going to enhance the textures. Don't know how far they have gotten in doing so.
When I was 3rd grade I think, I found an RTS called Praetorian in my uncle's pc.
It's more of a strategy war game than the resource management, since I wasn't bright at this kind of game I just overpowered everything with sheer number on easiest difficulty.
I'm gonna be dropping by at some random CD store and see if I can find any of those.
Praetorian? I think I remember that one...