Egyptian Campaign (French Revolutionary Wars)
1798 – 1800
From the first clashes in 1798 to the final fighting in 1800, find the full chronology of this conflict below, with the forces engaged, commanders and consequences for France in each battle.
Era : Revolution & Empire
- 1798 Battle of Aboukir (naval) Defeat
On 1-2 August 1798, in Aboukir Bay, Nelson annihilated Brueys' French fleet (17 ships engaged) by cutting its anchored line, destroying notably the Orient and isolating Bonaparte's army in Egypt.
- 1798 Battle of the Pyramids Victory
Decisive victory for Napoleon breaking Mamluk military power in Egypt, opening the way to French conquest of the country. On 21 July 1798, near Embabeh, French squares repelled Mamluk charges; Bonaparte entered Cairo on 24 July.
- 1799 Battle of Aboukir (land) Victory
On 25 July 1799, near Aboukir, Napoleon, with about 10,000 men and Murat's cavalry, defeated the Ottoman army of Mustafa Pasha landed by the British fleet, despite initial numerical inferiority.
- 1800 Battle of Heliopolis Victory
French victory on 20 March 1800 at Heliopolis (Egypt): Kléber, leading about 15,000 men, repulsed a large Ottoman army through an enveloping manoeuvre in squares. The battle prolonged French occupation of the Nile delta, despite the British naval blockade and the Cairo insurrection.