Most interesting regions/'nations'/starts?

[Fawr]

Places where there are a lot of heathen heads to bash.

Poland in 1066 is good, not too hard and lots of pagans to bash (and if you are still playing in 200 years, lots of mongols to bash/be bashed by).

I've seen many suggestions that you start 10-20 years after 1066 though for a more historic middle east (after the byzantines have lost most of asia minor).

I'm told that for a more advanced player the Kingdom of Jerusalem after 1100 is good.

[Dagda]

I'm told that for a more advanced player the Kingdom of Jerusalem after 1100 is good.

IMO, 1119ish is the most interesting start for KOJ. Good King, Antoich a vassal.. you're strong enough to fend off the usual AI Jihad gangbang a few months after game start and prime position to expand. Possible succession crisis if not careful.