An Overview of Egyptian History:
Archaeological evidence shows us that hunters lived in Egypt more than 250,000 years ago when the region was a green grassland. Around 25,000 BC, climate changes turned Egypt into a desert. The people survived by hunting and fishing and through agriculture.
In 3100 BC, King Menes joined the two parts of the land into one kingdom. The Dynasty that he founded, together with the one after it, are now called the "Archaic Period". Egypt soon evolved into a centralized and well organized kingdom. Egypt gained a growing influence in the ancient world and its power came to dominate the Near East for more than 500 years. The construction of the great pyramids of the 4th dynasty (about 2575 - 2465 BC) took place during this time. The new kingdom expanded rapidly and the country was quite stable internally. Ancient Egypt and its culture had a tremendous impact on what is now the Western World.
After the death of Tutankhamon the fourth, the Dynasty and the power of the king weakened. A period of decline followed and Egypt was invaded by the Assyrians and the Persians, and opened its borders to the Greeks for the first time. The arrival of Alexander the Great in 332 BC put an end to Ancient Egyptian history. For 250 years Egypt was ruled by Greeks; Alexandria, rather than Athens, became the center of learning and culture. The Greeks also introduced new agricultural techniques and restored older temples.
In 30 BC, the Romans conquered Egypt. This led to an increase in prosperity in the beginning. But Rome did not give any local autonomy to Egypt and, in the long run, its rule was harmful to Egypt's interests.
During the reign of the Roman emperor Nero in the first century, Christianity was brought to Egypt and it spread throughout the country. The Arab conquest of Egypt that began in 639, however, put an end to the dominance of Christian religion. Arab newcomers and the conversion of people to Islam reduced the Christian population. Arabic also became the major language. Egypt then became part of the Muslim world and until the 19th century Egyptian history was linked to the general developments of Islam in the region.
The construction of the Suez Canal in the mid-19th century put Egypt into deep financial debt. In order to solve their financial problems, the Egyptian government had to give up control of the country to other powers, especially Great Britain. The British strengthened their control at the end of the 19th century. During World War I, Great Britain declared Egypt to be a British protectorate.
Egypt received its independence in 1923. This happened after adopting a constitution that made Egypt a kingdom under Fuad. A parliament also came into existence. During World War II, Egypt remained officially neutral. However, Egypt helped the British where possible and several battles were fought on Egyptian soil .
In 3100 BC, King Menes joined the two parts of the land into one kingdom. The Dynasty that he founded, together with the one after it, are now called the "Archaic Period". Egypt soon evolved into a centralized and well organized kingdom. Egypt gained a growing influence in the ancient world and its power came to dominate the Near East for more than 500 years. The construction of the great pyramids of the 4th dynasty (about 2575 - 2465 BC) took place during this time. The new kingdom expanded rapidly and the country was quite stable internally. Ancient Egypt and its culture had a tremendous impact on what is now the Western World.
After the death of Tutankhamon the fourth, the Dynasty and the power of the king weakened. A period of decline followed and Egypt was invaded by the Assyrians and the Persians, and opened its borders to the Greeks for the first time. The arrival of Alexander the Great in 332 BC put an end to Ancient Egyptian history. For 250 years Egypt was ruled by Greeks; Alexandria, rather than Athens, became the center of learning and culture. The Greeks also introduced new agricultural techniques and restored older temples.
In 30 BC, the Romans conquered Egypt. This led to an increase in prosperity in the beginning. But Rome did not give any local autonomy to Egypt and, in the long run, its rule was harmful to Egypt's interests.
During the reign of the Roman emperor Nero in the first century, Christianity was brought to Egypt and it spread throughout the country. The Arab conquest of Egypt that began in 639, however, put an end to the dominance of Christian religion. Arab newcomers and the conversion of people to Islam reduced the Christian population. Arabic also became the major language. Egypt then became part of the Muslim world and until the 19th century Egyptian history was linked to the general developments of Islam in the region.
The construction of the Suez Canal in the mid-19th century put Egypt into deep financial debt. In order to solve their financial problems, the Egyptian government had to give up control of the country to other powers, especially Great Britain. The British strengthened their control at the end of the 19th century. During World War I, Great Britain declared Egypt to be a British protectorate.
Egypt received its independence in 1923. This happened after adopting a constitution that made Egypt a kingdom under Fuad. A parliament also came into existence. During World War II, Egypt remained officially neutral. However, Egypt helped the British where possible and several battles were fought on Egyptian soil .