Total Realism has some measure of Total Subjectivity. Egypt, which for Ptolemy I Soter and heirs was 'spear won and fruit of his bravery' or more specifically a personal estate to fund endless wars, was called Egypt. It was not called the Ptolemaic empire. I have only looked at translated sources, not being able to read Greek, but Egypt is what is was called, from what I can tell. Given that the Ptolemies like all previous invaders were respectful of Egypt culture, albeit far more intrusive as administrators, leaving the name alone and all that signifies - pyramids, pharaohs etc. - would be correct. Egypt of the Ptolemies was the ancient state of time immemorial with a small Hellenic civil administrative and military class ruling.
Squalor itself should not be changed (slower growth was the means of tackling it). Ancient cities of a certain size, I mean a metropolis like Alexandria, were extraordinarily turbulent. Certain things like the mutual hatred of Greek and Jew in Alexandria, animinated the inhabitants. Riots alternating with a sense of repressed violence were usual in those cities. If Alexandria riot and throws my near full stack out, the game is not broken. Still occasional near 10% growth rates either signify mass immigration or an alien species, so it might be worthwhile.
None of this should be interpreted as real criticism. Kudos for a very fine piece of work.
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