Thanks for all the suggestions guys, and thanks for being so understanding.
As I said over in my other AAR I have been tempted by Stellaris and CK2 so I'm not certain I want to jump straight back into Imperator - I very much enjoy the game but it is harder to handle in some ways since it is still new. That said I am definitely considering my options.
As I've said before I'm especially drawn towards the Greco-Roman parts of Antiquity. That doesn't mean I'd
never consider a different culture but familiar gods and cultural touchstones are a major pull factor. I like my Homer and Herodotus.
One of my considerations had been the Antigonids ('Phygria'), which are a fascinating combination of Hellenic and non-Greek elements and in a very interesting spot. Also I once played Demetrius in an online forum rpg.
Having said that I think TreizeV
might want another go at them and he has first dibs.
Rome herself is certainly possible. The scale of managing a republic is something I'd have to consider, though it also suggests several ideas. I could for instance follow an individual family.
Bactria could be interesting. Like Phygria (and Sicily) it is both Greek and non-Greek and it could be a fascinating culture to examine. It does have the disadvantage of being close to two massive empires (and the satrapy to one) and of course no coastline so becoming a seapower would be a long range goal at best.
Carthage has a lot of possibility and the idea of building a maritime power is definitely tempting. As with Rome I'd have to consider how to handle the republican form of government. The main disadvantage is I mentioned above is that I am far less familiar with the Carthaginians than the Greeks or Romans - it is harder to get into their heads. Of course that might be an interesting challenge.
