Hm... That would limit its ability to actually influence anything to the east. I'm looking at some maps, and yeah, it's WAY reduced by 1254. I can't make a great argument for it being able to interact with the Byzantines.

I'll go back to the drawing board. I'd rather not play Egypt... I've been trying to get an accurate picture of Tunis in 1254 and have been having some trouble doing so.

Tunis is where I'd like to start from if possible.