I don't know why I even gave them another try, but I did and it was painful. I managed to build a few MQs and 3 of their special ports before I followed them up with Carthage. Having all 6 silk near my capital really helped. Built the Pyramids as Carthage and the stacked Cothons & Ports next to the Phoenician port (I forget the name) I used an early ship to explore and opened up trade routes with 2 NPCs. Got to Land Rights-Inherited Land as soon as I could. This let me attach outposts to my capital like crazy. Changed to Khmer (I know it's OP, but I am playing to see how fast I can finish the tech tree). Kept adding outposts to my Capital. Barays at the end were producing 120+ production along with 12 to 20 food. Switched to Muggles Jama Masjids producing 140+ Transitioned into the French had to build a tin of commons quarters so I didn't go into revolt. At this point I was building about 4 commons quarters in a single turn. Switched to pure science and finished on turn 301 with about 20 turns as Japan... which bested my best time by 4 turns. My second best game 305 turns was Harrapans, Celts, Khmer, Muggles, France into Japan so I have to apologize. At least so far my best game starting with Egypt is 313 so they are probably not the best starting culture.
In summary the Phoenicians combined with Carthage gave me huge gold production which allowed me to add 4 or 5 extra outposts to my capital which just snowballed my Baray/Jama Masjid production which means I owe the Phoenicians an apology.
In summary the Phoenicians combined with Carthage gave me huge gold production which allowed me to add 4 or 5 extra outposts to my capital which just snowballed my Baray/Jama Masjid production which means I owe the Phoenicians an apology.