Time traveller’s handbook
Egypt, 1798–1801
How to survive Napoleon’s failed conquest of Egypt
Napoleon Bonaparte, still a general for Revolutionary France but with one eye on seizing power, has invaded Egypt. His intention was to establish a colony and disrupt British trade with India. Unfortunately, the Egyptians have not thanked him for liberating their country from the Ottoman Empire as he had hoped. In fact, they are instead resisting him quite vigorously. But since the British Navy destroyed his fleet at Aboukir a few months ago, he can’t retreat or expect any reinforcements. This conquest is doomed to fail but will kick-start the serious study of the land of the pharaohs.
Fancying himself a modernday Alexander the Great, Napoleon handpicked 150 scientists, artists and engineers — collectively known as ‘the savants’ — to join his 55,000 troops. Instructed to document the ancient civilisation in unprecedented details, their heavily publicised results will inspire a European fascination with Egyptology.
WHERE TO STAY
Upper Egypt is under the control of the insurgent Mamelukes, so Cairo is probably the safest place to stay. Napoleon has attempted to ‘civilise’ the city, adding a botanical garden, library and a public health service, but be careful not to align yourself too closely with the French.
On 22 October 1798 there will be a revolt in the city and the local inhabitants will kill Cairo’s commander, General Dupuy, before going on to murder every Frenchman they can find. Napoleon will quickly crush the rebellion and restore order but it’s probably best to be out of the city that week.
WHO TO BEFRIEND
Dominique Vivant Denon
This artist, writer and diplomat has somehow managed to survive the French Revolution, despite being a baron and a former friend of Louis XV. In Egypt, as one of Napoleon’s savants, Denon is almost like an embedded war correspondent, travelling with the troops and making sketches of the ancient monuments, sometimes even when under fire from the enemy. The results will be published in his book Travels in Lower and Upper Egypt in 1802. Tag along with him to discover temples and ruins, including the Colossi of Memnon and the Kiosk of Trajan.
Extra tip:
Napoleon’s troops begin marching each day at 1am, when it is still cool. If you are exploring the ruins with Denon during the day, make sure you still get an early night. you’ll need to keep up with the relentless pace of the army as it pushes south in pursuit of Murad Bey.
WHO TO AVOID
Murad Bey
Before the French arrived, Murad Bey effectively co-ruled Egypt as the head of the Mameluke Army. But Murad was outclassed by Napoleon’s forces and defeated at the Battle of the Pyramids. Having retreated to Upper Egypt, he’s waging a guerrilla war against Generals Desaix and Kléber. However, Murad is fickle and ambitious. In 1800, he will cut a deal with Kléber refusing to support British and Ottoman attempts to oust the French and even actively help suppress an uprising in Cairo in exchange for governing Upper Egypt.