THE ROMAN, CHRISTIAN, AND ARABIC PERIODS

THE ROMAN ADMINISTRATION IN EGYPT—­THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY—­THE ARIAN CONTROVERSY—­THE GROWTH OF MONASTICISM—­THE DECLINE OF ALEXANDRIA—­THE ARAB INVASION AND THE SPREAD OF MUHAMMEDANISM—­THE ARAB DYNASTIES.

Augustus remodels the government of Egypt—­A new calendar introduced—­Egypt surveyed—­Dissension between Jews and Greeks at Alexandria—­Strabo’s visit—­The Egyptian religion at Rome—­Wise administration of Tiberius—­The rise of the Therapeutae—­Lake Maeris destroyed—­The origin of Chemistry—­The fable of the Phoenix—­Christianity introduced—­Fiscal reforms under Galba—­Vespasian in Egypt—­Fall of Jerusalem—­The Nile Canal restored—­Hadrian’s voyage up the Nile—­Death of Antinous—­Christians and Gnostics—­Astrology and Astronomy—­Roman roads in Egypt—­Commerce and Sports—­The Growth of Christianity—­Severus visits Egypt—­The massacre of the Alexandrians—­Ammonius Saccas and the Alexandrian Platonists—­The School of Origen—­Rise of Controversy—­Decline of Commerce—­Zenobia in Syria—­Growing importance of the Arabs—­Revolt and recapture of Alexandria—­Persecution of the Christians under Diocletian—­Introduction of the Manichean heresy.

Constantine the Great converted—­Privileges of the clergy—­Dogmatic disputes—­Council of Nicaea and the first Nicene Creed—­Athanasian and Arian controversies—­Founding of Constantinople—­Decline of Alexandria—­Imperial appointments in the Church—­Religious riots—­Triumphs of Athanasius—­Persecution by Bishop George of Cappadocia—­Early mission work—­Development of the monastic system—­Text of the Bible—­The monks and military service—­Saracenic encroachments—­Theodosius overthrows Paganism—­Destruction of the Great Library—­Pagan and Christian literature—­Story of Hypatia—­The Arabs defeat the Romans—­The Koptic New Testament—­Egypt separated from Rome—­The Council of Chalcedon—­Paganism restored in Upper Egypt—­The Henoticon—­The writings of Hierocles—­Relations with Persia—­Inroads of the Arabs—­Justinian’s fiscal reforms—­Coinage restored—­The Persians enter Egypt.  The Life of Muhammed—­Amr conquers Egypt—­The legend of Omar and the Great Library—­The founding of Fostat—­The Christians taxed—­Muhammedan oppression in Egypt—­The Ommayad and Abbasid dynasties—­Caliph Harun er-Rashid—­Turkish bodyguards—­Rise of the Tulunite Dynasty—­Office of Prince of Princes—­Reign of Muhammed el-Ikshid—­War with Byzantium—­Fatimite Caliphs—­The Ismailians and Mahdism—­Reign of Mustanssir—­Turkish Rapacity—­End of the Fatimite Rule.

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CHAPTER I—­EGYPT UNDER THE ROMAN EMPIRE

The Roman dominion on the Nile:  Settlement of the Egyptian frontiers:  Religious developments:  Rebellions.