The Pharaonic Civilization
The Pharaonic civilization is one of the largest and most significant ancient cultures to have emerged in history. The rule of the pharaohs in Egypt lasted for an extensive period, encompassing 30 dynastic families. Among the most remarkable legacies left by this civilization are the Pyramids of Giza, which continue to baffle scientists, researchers, and physicists who struggle to provide comprehensive scientific explanations regarding the construction methods employed by the pharaohs. Additionally, the chemical substances utilized by the ancient Egyptians in the mummification process, which preserved their skeletal remains for millennia, remain a mystery. Given the advanced knowledge in science and engineering that this civilization possessed, one may wonder what led to the decline and eventual disappearance of such a sophisticated society.
The Fate of the Pharaohs
According to accounts in the Holy Quran, Pharaoh and his army perished in the sea while pursuing Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and the Israelites who were with him. But what happened to the other pharaohs? Where did the ruling dynasties vanish?
Scholars suggest that the decline of the Pharaonic civilization in Egypt was primarily due to consistent foreign invasions from contemporary civilizations. These invasions unfolded in the following sequence:
- Hyksos Invasion: The Hyksos were Asian tribes residing in Iraq and the Levant. Due to climatic changes in their region, they migrated to Egypt, establishing their rule in Northern Egypt between 1786-1560 BCE, until Pharaoh Ahmose launched a campaign to drive them back to Asia.
- Assyrian Conquest: The Assyrians, based in Iraq, invaded and occupied Egypt from 671 to 661 BCE, until they were expelled by Pharaoh Psamtik I.
- Achaemenid Domination: The Achaemenid Persians took control of all routes leading to the Mediterranean Sea during the period of 525-405 BCE, and after a brief respite, they reconquered Egypt from 343 to 332 BCE.
- Greek Invasion: Alexander the Great invaded and occupied Egypt from 332 to 305 BCE, declaring himself Pharaoh. This marked a shift in governance; the original pharaonic rule transformed into a Greek one. Following Alexander’s death, his followers divided Egyptian territories, leading to intermarriages between original Egyptians and Greeks, eventually resulting in the blending of cultures and the decline of the Pharaonic identity.
- Roman Conquest: The Romans engaged in warfare against the Greeks in Egypt and ultimately took control of the region from 30 to 305 BCE, during which they also promoted Christianity. The Roman era saw the complete disappearance of Pharaonic civilization, leaving only its enduring monuments as remnants of its greatness.