In the meantime I researced Republic the old fashioned way. Now I am in Anarchy for another 5 turns I met denyd (Ottomans), who got an SGL veery early and rushed the Pyramids with him. He offered me Maths, Polytheism & Litereature for Republic. I accepted, but denied any long-term deals. I am planning to build lots of Dromons early on and then bring fire to my opponents, especially the Pyramids man.
We'll see...