On 17 September 642, Alexandria, one of the ancient world’s greatest cities, succumbed to the Arab forces led by Amr ibn al-'As.
This conquest marked a decisive shift in the region's history, as the city, a centre of knowledge and commerce under the Byzantine Empire, was integrated into the burgeoning Islamic Empire.
The strategic brilliance of Amr ibn al-'As, coupled with the weakening grip of Byzantine rule, ensured a relatively swift capture, signalling the beginning of Arab dominance in Egypt and laying the foundations for the spread of Islam across North Africa.
