most powerful faction

[Yesugey]

Because they have rich provinces to begin with, excellent temples, a very good unit roster, and.....chariot archers. All AI vs AI battles are auto-calc and the chariot archer rules vs just about any lower-tier troops, especially cavalry. In virtually every game I've ever played, it's the Ptolemaic's that conquer the Middle East and roll into Anatolia with relative ease, unless opposed by the player.

Thanks I was just thinking of the player's perspective, and without considering the temple and startup cities bonuses.
Chariots really are deadly, but they rarely gave me hard time since the AI uses them very stupidly most of the time. (Especially on bridge battles.. What a mess )