Battle of the Pyramids
1798 · Embabeh, near Cairo (modern Egypt) · World · Modern
Napoleon's infantry squares withstood repeated charges by the Mamluk cavalry and inflicted heavy casualties with artillery fire, and the Mamluk army was routed.
Belligerents
French Republic
- Commanders
- Napoleon Bonaparte
- Strength
- c. 25,000
Mamluk Egypt
- Commanders
- Murad Bey, Ibrahim Bey
- Strength
- About 21,000, including elite Mamluk cavalry
Background
Napoleon led an expedition intended to cut Britain's trade route to India and establish a foothold in the eastern Mediterranean; after landing in Egypt he marched straight on Cairo.
Course of the battle
- Forming squaresIn the open the French formed hollow squares, with musketeers on the outside and artillery at the corners.
- Cavalry chargeThe Mamluk cavalry, renowned for their valor, charged the squares again and again but were driven back each time by massed fire.
- Rout toward CairoAfter suffering heavy casualties the Mamluk army left the field, and Cairo surrendered without a fight.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1798 |
|---|---|
| Place | Embabeh, near Cairo (present-day Egypt) |
| Result | Napoleon's infantry squares withstood repeated charges by the Mamluk cavalry and inflicted heavy casualties with artillery fire, and the Mamluk army was routed. |
| Winner | French Republic |
| Casualties | The Mamluk army lost several thousand, while French casualties numbered only a few hundred. |
| Territorial change | The French army promptly occupied Cairo and took control of all Egypt (though it later became isolated after its sea supply lines were cut). |
Impact
The battle demonstrated the overwhelming superiority of modern infantry squares coordinated with artillery against traditional cavalry charges. It also gave Napoleon brief control of Egypt and added the legendary aura of an "Eastern expedition" to his personal prestige.
See the world in 1798 on the map →