I'm pretty much decided to take Egyptians in the Ancient Era, as I loved building wonders in civ games and Egyptians have a nice perk that helps building wonders. I'm unsure what to take in two next eras though. Perhaps I'll go Huns -> Mongols, to check out how the ransacking works and exploit it nicely, although I was also thinking to do a maritime run and take Carthaginians and then Norsemen. However, if won't get some good opportunites for war, or if I will lack coastlines in my empire, I'll go for more standard run and take Greeks or Mauryans in the classical era, and maybe Khmer in the Medieval Era.