In 1291, when the Crusaders lost their last stronghold, the Mammeluks ruled Egypt. The Mammeluks waren soldiers, often of non-Egyptian stock. For Egypt it was a good time. The economy, the commerce (eastward directed), the arts and the culture flourished. It has been called the Golden Age of Egypt.
But in 1516 the Mammeluks were defeated by the Turks, and Egypt became a Turkish province. And the West-European countries discovered the sea routes to the East: to India, Indonesia, China, causing heavy economical losses to Egypt. Famines and epidemics decimated the population.
In 1798 a civil war threatened when suddenly the fleet of Napoleon appeared and conquered Egypt. According to the Coptic tradition the soldiers cut down a tree under which Mary sat. But Nelson defeated the French fleet, and Napoleon had to return home.
After him Mohammed Ali came, who rose to be viceroy of Egypt.
He wanted to make Egypt a great power, but he did not succeed.
But the country became more prosperous, and the population increased.
In 1869 the Suez-canal was opened. This canal had cost a lot of money, and the taxes had to rise. Revolts occurred, and the viceroy asked the English for help. They loved to come, in 1882, and stayed until 1952!
In 1948 the state of Israel was proclaimed, and the Egyptians were defeated in the war that followed. In 1952 a coup d'etat made an end to the English presence, and to the royal house. Naguib, and later on Nasser became president. The Aswan-dam was constructed, with the help of Russian advisors.
His successor Sadat turned West again. He even made peace with Israel.
Mubarak, president until 2012, follows the same course. And what will happen next?
In Western church history the Copts are not mentioned any more, and in normal history hardly.
The present leader (since 18-11-2012) of the Coptic Orthodox Church is Theodore II. He is the 118th Patriarch of Alexandria.
Like the Pope of Rome people change their name when becoming Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Click here for a list of popes of the Copts.