Pyramids Battle

Campain of Egypt
The Battle of the Pyramids

Magnified by the victories gained in Italy, Bonaparte represented a real danger for the Directoire. He was very popular among the lower classes because he rose from the ranks and was at any time able to overthrow the corrupted government, all the more so because he was supported by the army.

He considered the suggestion of the politicians to invade England as too hazardous : he would have first to destroy the English fleet which became every day more redoubtable. It occurred to him that he had only to weaken England economically by cutting off supplies and the way to the Indies. The Directoire agreed with Bonaparte, having good hope to get rid of him for a long time…

Napoléon surrounded himself with the best soldiers, but also with scientists : mathematicians, geographers, historians and specialists of Egypt like Champollion. The 300 ships embarking 30 000 men and the material necessary for this expedition reached Alexandria after having escaped from the fleet of the Admiral Nelson near Malta.

The French army headed for Cairo and stroke against the Mamelukes of Murad Bey, their chief. The ennemies were divided and defeated separately, according to the favourite method of Napoléon. The victory was complete and Napoléon's army reckoned only 40 dead and 300 wounded. This battle opened the route to Cairo, where Bonaparte entered 1798 July 24th.