Egypt ranks high among the countries of the world in its longevity as a civilization, the role it has played in history, and its strategic location. It is known, in part, for its historic influence over other civilizations and countries. This includes that of pharaonic Egypt on the ancient Hebrews, Mesopotamians, and Syrians and on classical Greece and Rome. Egypt has also figured prominently in the history of Islam. Modern Egypt is the most populous Arab state, and it has led the Arabs in education, literature, music, architecture, cinema, radio, and television. Its capital, Cairo, is the largest city in Africa and in the Arab world, and it hosts the headquarters of the Arab League. There are few, if any, Middle Eastern political issues – from the War on Terrorism to the Arab-Israeli conflict – that can be addressed without considering Egypt.
While most readers are familiar with at least some aspects of ancient Egyptian history, contemporary Egypt and its connections to its ancient roots are not always well understood. A Brief History of Egypt explores Egypt’s broad political, economic, social, and cultural developments, from the mighty civilization of the past to the diverse cultural and political landscape of today, covering almost 6,000 years of history in a clear and concise manner.
**About the Author:**
Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. is professor emeritus of Middle East history at Penn State University