The Decline of the Egyptian Empire I know

The Decline of the Egyptian Empire I know the reasons that led to the ancient Egyptian Empire’s downfall.

Egypt was never quite the same after Ramses II died. Gradually, the central government weakened. After about 1070 B. C. , a series of foreign powers ruled Egypt.

The Persian Empire At that time in history, the Persian Empire was the largest the world had ever seen. They conquered ancient Egypt in 525 B. C. The Persian Empire would go on to have total control of Egypt for another 194 years.

Alexander the Great was the king of Macedonia. Alexander had a vision for his life in that he wanted to conquer the world. One of his first great challenges was to defeat the Persian Empire. During his quest to defeat the mighty Persians, Alexander sent his military forces into Egypt, which was of course controlled by the Persians. He needed a coastal land to set up a strong military launching point.

The Persian Empire had been very disrespectful towards the Egyptians. So they were overjoyed to have Alexander arrive in Egypt, and they soon hailed him as a savior and a hero. Alexander the Great was offered the double crown of Egypt and they declared him their new Pharaoh.

Alexander spent months in Egypt, learning the customs and traditions. He felt as though Egypt changed him for the better. While he was there, he established the Egyptian city of Alexandria. In 331 B. C. , Alexander finally defeated the Persian Empire. In defeating them, Alexander the Great claimed ALL their lands. Alexander now controlled much of the known world, including Egypt. http: //safeshare. tv/w/NOKEEx. AUoc Sometimes it is because of events that happen thousands of miles away that alter the history of a certain place. The Battle of Gaugamela was the decisive battle in Alexander the Great’s defeat of the Persian Empire.

Cleopatra VII After the death of Alexander the Great, Macedonians (and other foreign people) continued to rule Egypt. These rulers still took the title “pharaoh. ” The last of these rulers was Cleopatra VII. Although she was the 7 th Cleopatra to rule Egypt, when historians refer to the name Cleopatra, it is her they are referring to. Because she was the daughter of a Greek dynasty/family that ruled Egypt, she refused to speak Egyptian, but did learn the language none the less. The customs and Egyptian ways of life were slowing being lost. The empire of Egypt would never quite be the same again.