Cairo,Mother Of the World

History and Culture

History of Cairo is a complex and a fascinating one. Historical evidence records that Cairo as a capital city of Egypt was the seat of development of ancient culture and civilization. Cairo history is an interesting narration of the events, which have played a key role in the development and evolution of Cairo as a modern city.
The various stages in Cairo history are:
* Early History of Cairo
* French Occupation of Cairo
* British Occupation of Cairo
The early history of Cairo is chronologically divided into distinctive phases. It starts with the Paleolithic and Neolithic period in the 11th millennium BC and ends with the Muslim invasion. The early history has experienced the rule of the different dynasties of Pharaohs who built the awe inspiring Egyptian pyramids. Unification of the upper and the lower Egypt took place during this period.
The entry of Napoleon into the city of Cairo in the year 1798 marked the beginning of French occupation of Cairo. Napoleon invaded Cairo with the intention of disrupting the British trade route, which ran through Egypt and also to amass enough wealth and bargain for any future peace treaty. Cairo as a city underwent many social and cultural change under the French rule. Institute De l'Egypt was set up as a major educational and intellectual center. Subjects like industry, science, mathematics, health, art and literature were taught here. Even after the French left, their occupation left an indelible impression in the different spheres of life of the people of Cairo.
The British occupation of Cairo marked the beginning of history of modern Egypt. Lord Cromer was placed as the first British Agent in Egypt. Cairo as a city prospered and flourished under the British rule. Tram ways were built, train services were started and various English departmental stores and shopping arcades were set up. Lord Kitchener set up the first legislative assembly of Cairo, which marked the beginning of the parliamentary life in Egypt. During this period the people in the countryside lived in poverty and malnutrition. Finally, the Revolution of 1952 vanquished and ended the 70 years long British rule in Cairo.
The river Nile has played an important role in the history of Cairo. The major cities and towns evolved and developed along its banks.