Throughout its history, Egypt was involved in many wars and conflicts with various civilizations. These wars shaped the history of Egypt and had a significant impact on its politics, culture, and economy. From the Old Kingdom to the Roman Conquest, Egypt fought against several enemies, both foreign and domestic. In this article, we will explore with whom Egypt was at war in different periods of history.
The Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BCE)
During the Old Kingdom, Egypt was mainly engaged in military campaigns against its neighbors, such as Nubia and Libya. The main purpose of these campaigns was to expand Egypt’s territory and secure its borders. The most significant military campaign during the Old Kingdom was led by Pharaoh Sneferu, who invaded Nubia and brought back many riches to Egypt, such as gold, ivory, and exotic animals.
The First Intermediate Period (2181-2040 BCE)
The First Intermediate Period was a time of political and social unrest in Egypt, characterized by weak and fragmented central authority. During this period, Egypt faced several internal conflicts and civil wars between the different regions and dynasties. There were also some external threats from neighboring kingdoms, such as the Asiatic rulers of the Levant. However, due to the political instability, Egypt was unable to mount a significant military response to these threats.
The Middle Kingdom (2040-1640 BCE)
During the Middle Kingdom, Egypt regained its stability and central authority under the 11th dynasty. The pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom focused on building a powerful army and expanding Egypt’s borders. They launched several military campaigns against Nubia, Libya, and the Levant, and established a strong presence in these regions. However, towards the end of the Middle Kingdom, Egypt faced a new threat from the Hyksos, a group of Asiatic invaders who overran the eastern delta and established their dynasty in Egypt.
The Second Intermediate Period (1640-1550 BCE)
The Second Intermediate Period was a time of foreign rule and political chaos in Egypt. The Hyksos ruled over Egypt for several centuries, and during their reign, Egypt was in a constant state of war with its neighbors. The Hyksos were eventually defeated by the pharaohs of the 17th dynasty, who launched a successful military campaign against them. This victory marked the beginning of the New Kingdom period.
The New Kingdom (1550-1069 BCE)
The New Kingdom was the most prosperous and powerful period in ancient Egypt’s history. Egypt’s pharaohs launched several military campaigns to expand their territories and secure their borders. They fought against Nubia, Libya, the Hittites, and the Assyrians. The most famous military campaign during the New Kingdom was led by Pharaoh Thutmose III, who invaded the Levant and established Egypt’s dominance over the region.
The Third Intermediate Period (1069-664 BCE)
The Third Intermediate Period was a time of political fragmentation and foreign invasions in Egypt. During this period, Egypt faced several threats from its neighbors, such as the Nubians and the Assyrians. The pharaohs of the 25th dynasty managed to repel these invasions and establish a stable government. However, towards the end of the Third Intermediate Period, Egypt faced a new threat from the Persians.
The Late Period (664-332 BCE)
The Late Period was a time of political instability and foreign invasion in Egypt. During this period, Egypt was invaded by several foreign powers, such as the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans. The pharaohs of the Late Period tried to regain control over Egypt and resist these foreign invasions, but they were largely unsuccessful.
The Persian Conquest (525-404 BCE)
The Persian Conquest was a significant event in Egypt’s history, as it marked the beginning of the Persian Empire’s rule over Egypt. The Persians invaded Egypt and established their dynasty, which lasted for over 100 years. The Egyptians tried to resist the Persian rule, but they were unsuccessful in their attempts.
The Macedonian Conquest (332-323 BCE)
The Macedonian Conquest was another significant event in Egypt’s history, as it marked the beginning of the Hellenistic period in Egypt. Alexander the Great invaded Egypt and established his dynasty, which lasted for several centuries. The Egyptians welcomed Alexander as a liberator and supported his rule.
The Ptolemaic Dynasty (305-30 BCE)
The Ptolemaic Dynasty was a Greek dynasty that ruled over Egypt for over 300 years. The Ptolemies faced several challenges during their reign, such as rebellions, foreign invasions, and economic problems. They tried to maintain their rule over Egypt by building a strong army and establishing close ties with the local elites.
The Roman Conquest (30 BCE-395 CE)
The Roman Conquest was the final foreign invasion of Egypt, as the Roman Empire conquered Egypt and established its rule. The Romans faced several challenges during their reign, such as rebellions, economic problems, and religious conflicts. They tried to maintain their rule over Egypt by building a strong army and establishing close ties with the local elites. However, their rule was ultimately challenged by the rise of Christianity and the decline of the Roman Empire.
