The Age of Napoleon Podcast Episode 41: To the Land of the Gods
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Jan 9, 2019 The Army of the Orient sails to Egypt, clashing with religious pirates in Malta. Bonaparte seizes Alexandria, encountering resistance from the garrison. Napoleon breaks the power of the Order in the Middle East and introduces himself to the people of Egypt. The Mameluke warlords rule Egypt, prompting a call for gathering in Cairo. French impressions reveal the country's unexpected nature.
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Amphibious Landings Were Primitive And Risky
- The landing at Alexandria was chaotic and many drowned due to storms and inadequate amphibious techniques.
- Early amphibious warfare technology and doctrine were still primitive in 1798.
Bold March To Secure A Port
- Napoleon risked marching 4,000 exhausted infantry on Alexandria without cavalry or artillery.
- The gamble aimed to seize a port quickly to allow the rest of the army to disembark.
Beheading Sends A Brutal Message
- A Mamluk commander, El-Kurayin, ambushed a French scouting party and beheaded an officer in Alexandria.
- He paraded the head through the streets to signal Mamluk dominance and intimidate the population.