Its not rpg nor strategy but something else. Disciples series is also the same as these, the expanding territory, manual battles but thic rpg storylines

4X

I'd call them turn-based strategy games with tactical combat and RPG elements.

Turn based strategy, with semi-optional tactical battles. The earlier games were more rudimentary civ-style TBS and wargame-leaning, AOW 4 has started leaning more 4x. Apart from the campaign, RPG elements are rudimentary, AOW 4 has expanded the RPG elements slightly. This coming patch, they're implementing hero classes.

Planetfall was more wargame leaning, but some people still considered it 4x.

I don't understand the statement that it's not strategy. AOW 1 back in the day was just a more rudimentary wargame strategy leaning. AOW 2 stil has basic Civ-style cities, just lacking in Civ pops.