From a strategy point of view, I have to agee with either of the Catholic "Iberians," Portugal or Spain. I'd also point out that the Moors start with similar advantages, although their unit roster isn't great.

I'll cite the same reasons and add some. As mentioned, Spain or Portugal have a non-Catholic victim to expand against in the Moors. Sacking Cordoba and Grenada gives huge cash advantages too. A few thousand florins go a long way in the early moves. Then there are those two rebel provinces in the east, although one is strongly held by El Cid.

Once you make the jump to North Africa, the Egyptians are far too busy fighting off Crusades to give you much trouble. You can go on Crusade too -- and use it to capture Egypt. After that, you're too rich to kill. You can let the Mongol and Timirud waves ride, and scoop up the weakened survivors.

Finally, converting all those Muslim provinces to Catholicism really puts you in great standing with the pope and builds you up in the college of cardinals.

So, the best Catholic faction is either Spain or Portugal, IMHO.

=======

The best Muslim faction, unit-wise, are the Turks, but you must be a good tactician. You have to fight all the time, so you'd better win.

The best Muslim faction strategy-wise is probably the Moors because of the starting postition already mentioned.

Still, I like Egypt. The opening blitz up the coast brings in much cash. So does sacking Constantinople. The Mongols, frankly, haven't been a problem so far since they are my alllies.

======

Best Orthodox faction? Tough call. Byz are like the Turks. Great units, but they have to fight all the time. I enjoyed Russia. Either/or.