THE FORTIFICATIONS OF ALEXANDRIA AND ROSETTA BEFORE THE ENGLISH CAMPAIGN IN 1807

Abstract

The location of Alexandria and Rosetta on the Mediterranean Sea and at the entrance to the River Nile had a significant impact on increasing interest in fortifying them, this explains the dangers to which the western borders and the Egyptian coasts were exposed.

During the French campaign, Alexandria was chosen to be the site of the campaign’s descent due to its strategic location on the one hand and the proximity of Abu Qir Bay, in which it was decided to anchor the French ships, on the other hand,the campaign also headed to Rashid in a move to control the western Nile outlet and to prevent the British fleet from reaching Cairo.

Alexandria and Rosetta witnessed the construction of a large number of castles and fences with gates during historical times. These castles and ramparts played a major role in defending the two cities during the French campaign (1798-1801) and the British campaign (1807).