That is the way it goes usually.
Most strategists suggest to attack Egypt at the very beginning and take its town. Once the Nile delta is yours the fight is over. But you really have to be fast. Just katank them! If you do not have enough population to field a strong army then buy one. You should have enough money to get a ot of mercs.
Another approach is to be defensive in the beginning. Take Susa at once (2nd or 3rd turn) then concentrate on Asia Minor. Sell an alliance to Egypt (do not worry, they will betray you!). If the Egyptian come close built an all cavalry army (Antioch is an excellent production centre for that). This one is enough for an defensive strategy. You can destroy one Egypt. army, then refill your troops, then strike again ... . So you should be able to kill one army in every 2nd turn.
Once you control Asia Minor and Crete and Rhodes it is time to strike back. You can either go through Palestine or land at the Nile delta. Maybe you should do both. Block the bridges, seperate their armies and take the towns as soon as possible.

The big advantage of the defensive version is that E is getting increadible strong and tha you can fight some nice battles