Almost finished. Conquered Egypt and Levant (for shrines and wonders) just after the Arabs came (Emperor) and the game became a wait for 1500. Even with 2 core cities and 11 total the stability wasn't a big problem - switched then to Citizenship, built jails and entered Medieval and then Renaissance ages. Never below Unstable level and even that was pretty seldom. Seljuks did one small scripted invasion, but then no one attacked. I was hoping for Ottomans but they went for Balkans. I never settled below Mogadishu, but I could have probably took Mecca when the army in Jerusalem and Sur just waited.
The area is extremely rich. Lot of wonders will be conquered probably and others can be built too: the Jewish wonder for +1 trade route to all cities will pay off with Ethiopian UP plus Dome of the Rock. And Orthodox wonders are very strong in a right time: +1 food for Merchants, +2 espionage points for orthodox buildings, could even steal techs. I didn't build the Monolithic Church though, it is expensive and I had 3 prophets settled in that time already. With Republic the Egyptian cities won't grow too much but they can still use all villages.
It is important to build ships to maintain contacts with Tamils, India and Asian civs, I lost these routes sometimes.
I used religious persecutors in the end - it is expensive (ok, I understand) but I could build only 1 of this unit if I am not mistaken? It is important to plan ahead then.
Did anyone use the 2nd UU? Some 15-20 turns remaining for me and I am in renaissance with Emperor insane tech speed.... it is still far far away.
Will probably try again some time at Paragon level.
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