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6000BC |
First primitive settlements along the Nile.
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| 3200-2270BC |
Pharaoh Menes rules over the Ancient Empire. The Pyramids at Giza testify to the power of the pharaonic religion and state.
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| 1567-1085BC |
Ancient Egypt reaches the peak of its power and wealth during the New Empire.
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| 525BC |
Persian, Greek, Roman and Arab Conquerors dethrone the last pharaoh Egypt becomes a Persian province.
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| 322BC |
Alexander the Great ushers in Ptolemeic rule. Alexandria is founded.
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| 30BC-70AD |
Romans rule Egypt. Christianity is introduced.
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| 642AD |
Egypt is invaded and conquered by Arab forces. A period of Arabization and Islamization ensues. The Arab language replaces the Coptic tongue. A succession of Arab, Mamluk and Ottoman caliphs, beys and sultans rule Egypt for the next 1300 years.
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| 1517-1882 |
The Ottoman Turks control Egypt, except for a brief period of French rule under Napoleon Bonaparte.
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| 1863-79 |
The growth of modern Cairo under the reign of the Khedive Ismail. The Suez Canal is completed during his reign in 1869.
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| 1882 |
The beginning of British occupation and the inclusion of Egypt within the British Empire.
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| 1922 |
Britain unilaterally declares Egypt an independent state in deference to growing nationalism. British Influence, however, continues to dominate political life.
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| 1923 |
The First Constitution is formed.
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| 1939-45 |
British troops use Egypt as a base for Allied operations. Anti-British feeling continues to grow.
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| 1948 |
Palestine War. Political, economic and social frustration intensifies. The formation of the Free Officers Movement led by Gamal Abdel Nasser.
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| 1952 |
The Free Officers Movement overthrows King Farouk, whom they blame for Egypt’s poor performance in war with Israel.
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| 1953 |
Egypt is declared a Republic. Nasser implements and promotes Arab socialism. Extensive agricultural, economic and social reforms. He negotiates the evacuation of the last British troops from Egypt by 1956.
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| 1970 |
President Nasser dies. Anwar El-Sadat assumes office.
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| 1973 |
Egyptian army recaptures parts of Sinai occupied by Israel in 1967.
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| 1977 |
Egyptian - Israeli Peace Treaty is signed.
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| 1981 |
President Sadat is assassinated by Islamic extremists. Hosni Mubarak elected President. Establishes his commitment to the Camp David peace process while re-establishing Egypt’s position as an Arab leader.
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| 1989 |
Egypt readmitted to the Arab League.
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| 1991 |
Mubarak commences ambitious domestic reforms to reduce the public sector and expand the private sector.
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| 2005 |
President Mubarak enjoying broad support is re-elected, after more than 24 years in office.
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| 2008 |
Egypt continues to promote stability in the region and is well received by the west and its neighbouring nations.
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