On This Day

The Rosetta Stone is found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Captain Pierre-François Bouchard during Napoleon

The Rosetta Stone is found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Captain Pierre-François Bouchard during Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign

The French invasion of Egypt and Syria (1798–1801) was a military expedition to Ottoman-held Egypt and Syria led by Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolutionary Wars. The campaign aimed to undermine British trade routes, expand French influence, and establish a scientific and administrative presence in Egypt. Napoleon also sought to sever Britain's connection to its colonial holdings in India, with the long-term ambition of challenging British dominance in the region.

Departing from Toulon in May 1798, Napoleon’s fleet, comprising around 36,000 troops, landed in Alexandria on 28 June. Advancing rapidly, he defeated the ruling Mamluks at the Battle of the Pyramids, securing control of Cairo and establishing a French administration.

Historical Significance

The French invasion of Egypt and Syria (1798–1801) was a military expedition to Ottoman-held Egypt and Syria led by Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolutionary Wars.

Key People

Napoleon Bonaparte

general and statesman

French general and statesman

Events Before

  1. Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books

    Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books

  2. US Sedition Act prohibits "any false, scandalous, and malicious writing" about the government

    US Sedition Act prohibits "any false, scandalous, and malicious writing" about the government

  3. 11th Amendment ratified, judicial powers construed

    11th Amendment ratified, judicial powers construed

  4. Coup d'état in Batavian Republic

    The Batavian Republic (Dutch: Bataafse Republiek; French: République Batave) was the successor state to the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.

  5. Rep Matthew Lyon (Vt) spits in face of Rep Roger Griswold (Ct) in US House of Representatives, after an argument

    Rep Matthew Lyon (Vt) spits in face of Rep Roger Griswold (Ct) in US House of Representatives, after an argument

Events After

  1. The dissolution of the Dutch East India Company comes into effect

    The East India Company (EIC) was an English, and later British, joint-stock company that was founded in 1600 and dissolved in 1874.

  2. Napoleon I's sister Carolina marries French military leader Joachim Murat, future King of Naples

    Napoleon I's sister Carolina marries French military leader Joachim Murat, future King of Naples

  3. Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Socie

    Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Society of London

  4. Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gives the first cowpox vaccination in the United States to his son to prevent smallpox

    Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gives the first cowpox vaccination in the United States to his son to prevent smallpox

  5. British politician and future Prime Minister of UK George Canning (30) weds Scottish heiress Joan Scott (24-ish) at St G

    British politician and future Prime Minister of UK George Canning (30) weds Scottish heiress Joan Scott (24-ish) at St George's Anglican Church, Hanover Square, London, until his death in 1827

More from the 1790s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on July 15, 1799?
The French invasion of Egypt and Syria (1798–1801) was a military expedition to Ottoman-held Egypt and Syria led by Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolutionary Wars. The campaign aimed to undermine British trade routes, expand French influence, and establish a scientific and administrative presence in Egypt. Napoleon also sought to sever Britain's connection to its colonial holdings in India, with the long-term ambition of challenging British dominance in the region.
Why is The Rosetta Stone is found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Capta... significant?
The French invasion of Egypt and Syria (1798–1801) was a military expedition to Ottoman-held Egypt and Syria led by Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolutionary Wars.
Who was involved in The Rosetta Stone is found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Capta...?
Key figures include Napoleon Bonaparte (general and statesman).

Explore More