Funnily enough, during this run, pretty much all of my great conquests were done by women. I've had several really good female heirs - most of whom have survived for long enough to push Byzantium ahead in monarch points. It's especially helpful since I spend too much on the army over advisors.
I've been trying for the Mare Nostrum achievement, and taking the harder (but more enjoyable) route of forming it with Byzantium. France isn't called the 'Big Blue Blob' for nothing. Lucky nations is insane.