Did Any Other African Nation Ever Control Ancient Egypt?
While ancient Egypt is often associated with Black Africa, the fact remains that every ruler before the Persian occupation, excluding the Hyksos, was African. This article examines the intricate history of African and European control over Egypt, exploring the reigns of indigenous pharaohs, foreign invaders, and modern political entities.
Introduction
The ancient history of Egypt is a tale rich with diverse rulers and migrating civilizations. Beyond the iconic pharaohs, the region was also controlled by various African and European powers. This article delves into these periods, focusing particularly on African rulers and the European occupation of Egypt.
" "African Pharaohs and Imperial Regimes
Ancient Egypt's continuous rule was not limited to one race or skin color. Numerous African polities, such as the kingdoms of Kush and Nubia, held sway over Egypt. Besides the traditional pharaohs, the Dynasties of Kush, a powerful kingdom to the south, exerted significant influence over Egypt.
" "Indigenous Pharaohs: These rulers were the primary leaders and maintainers of the ancient Egyptian state.Kushite Dynasty: From the 25th Dynasty onwards, the Kushite kingdom, located in what is now Sudan, ruled over Egypt for nearly a century.Other African Rulers: Besides Kush, there were other African polities that at various times controlled Egypt, albeit briefly." "European and Levantine Control
Post-Kushite and pre-Persian occupation, Egypt saw the rise of various European and Levantine regimes. These included:
" "Enlightened Rulers of Alexandria: Greek and Roman rulers of Alexandria had a significant impact on the development of ancient Egyptian culture and Sultanate: Traditional roles were reversed with the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt and Syria, which was controlled by non-Arab slave Occupation: The Persians, under King Cambyses II, conquered Egypt in the 6th century 's Campaign: In the late 18th century, Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign marked the beginning of European occupation." "Modern European Domination
Into the modern era, European powers established firm control over Egypt. Key periods included:
" "British Occupation: The British occupying Egypt from 1882 to 1952, during which time they effectively controlled the country’s political Egypt: Under Abdel Nasser, a more nationalist and independent Egypt emerged, challenging colonial dominance." "Conclusion
While the majority of rulers in ancient Egypt were indeed African, there were periods of European and Levantine domination. Understanding the complex interplay of political control over Egypt serves as a reminder of the rich and varied history of this ancient civilization.
" "References: Fage, J. D. (1969). The Cambridge History of Africa: From the beginning to AD 1050. Cambridge University Press. Taylor, Ian. (2011). The Birth of Egypt: Ancient Nilesand Its People. Simon Schuster.