There are four types of exploration targets on the map.
Exploration is rewarded with gold, glory and relics. High-level targets have a better chance to yield more rare and powerful relics.
Locked target means your army is too weak and the soldiers refuse to enter such a dangerous location.[1]
Sacred Grove 
[]
"Strong in Pagan magic, this site attracts heretics and mythical beasts."
- Threat level: Low
- Contains: 3 Spirits, 3 Spiders or 3 Goblins.
Ancient Battlefield 
[]
"Souls of the fallen still haunt this lonely and desolate place. If you dare to face them, the heirlooms of an Ancient Empire can be found."
- Threat level: Medium
- Contains: 7-9 Goblins, 7-9 Undead,6 griffons, 7 Dire Wolves or 5-6 Demons.
Roman Gold Mines 
[]
"Mountains hide forgotten treasure and its forgotten guardians. Bones of past explorers litter the entrance."
- Threat level: High
- Contains: 9-11 Medusae, 11-13 Basilisks, 10 Vampires, 11 Werewolves, 11 Griffons or 11 Demons.
Ruined Temples 
[]
"It is a long-lost shrine to long-lost gods, guarded by powerful curses and creatures from Hell. Still, the treasures they hide have lured many poor souls to their doom."
- Threat level: Extreme
- Contains: 20-24 Medusae, 20 Basilisks, 20 Demons, 18-21 Vampires, 10-14 Minotaurs, 14-17 Mummys or 9-13 Dragons
Other Targets[]
Skull Shields []
- Threat level: There can be almost anything, so it is up to you to decide if the odds are good enough.
- Special: You can click a skull shield for no LP cost.
- Contains: As a rule of thumb, there is one enemy unit for every unit you have.
Quest Flags []
- Threat level: There can be almost anything, depending on the quest you are on, so it is up to you to decide if the odds are good enough.
- Special: You can click a quest flag for no LP cost.
- Contains: As a rule of thumb, there is one enemy unit for every unit you have.
You can check the different unit strengths from here: http://byzantus.wikia.com/wiki/Enemies