Egypt's history spans over 5000 years — from Pharaohs, Greek Ptolemies, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, to the modern Republic.
Ancient Egypt (3100-30 BC)
Upper and Lower Egypt united under King Menes ca. 3100 BC — first unified state in the world. 30 pharaonic dynasties. Pyramids of Giza built 2600-2500 BC (Great Pyramid 146 m). Great pharaohs: Khufu, Ramesses II, Tutankhamun, Cleopatra.
Greeks and Ptolemies (332-30 BC)
Alexander the Great conquered Egypt 332 BC — founded Alexandria. After his death Ptolemy I ruled (304 BC) — Ptolemaic dynasty lasted 300 years. Cleopatra VII (51-30 BC) — last pharaoh. Egypt became Roman province after her suicide.
Roman and Byzantine Era (30 BC - 641 AD)
Egypt was "Rome's breadbasket". Christianity spread in 1st c. Egyptian Coptic Church founded. Byzantine Empire ruled until Islamic conquest.
Islamic Conquest (641-1517)
Amr ibn al-As conquered Egypt 641 AD — Islam spread. Fatimids 969 (founded Cairo, Al-Azhar 970). Saladin 1171. Mamluk Sultanate 1250-1517 — repelled Crusaders and Mongols.
Ottoman Era (1517-1882)
Sultan Selim I conquered Egypt 1517 — 300 years Ottoman. Napoleon's expedition 1798-1801 — brought scientists who deciphered Rosetta Stone. Muhammad Ali Pasha 1805-1849 — founder of modern Egypt, army, education.
British Occupation and Monarchy (1882-1952)
Suez Canal opened 1869. Britain invaded 1882 — British protectorate. Partial independence 1922 (King Fuad, Farouk). King Farouk last king.
Republic (1952-today)
Free Officers Revolution 1952 — Gamal Abdel Nasser, Anwar Sadat, Hosni Mubarak. Nationalization of Suez Canal 1956. War 1967 (Naksa), War 1973 (partial victory). Peace treaty with Israel 1979. January 25 Revolution 2011. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi since 2014. 110 million inhabitants.