The Origins and Defense of Fort Babylon: From Roman City to Modern Cairo

TLDRDiscover the story of Fort Babylon, later known as Cairo, and its strategic location as a trading route between the Nile and the Red Sea. Learn about its impressive defenses, including circular towers and a 15-meter-high wall. Despite a 7-month siege, the garrison ultimately surrendered to Arab forces, leading to the rise of Cairo as the capital of Egypt.

Key insights

💡Fort Babylon, later known as Cairo, was a strategically located city that served as a trading route between the Nile and the Red Sea.

🏰The fortress of Babylon had impressive defenses, including circular towers and a 15-meter-high wall, making it an impenetrable stronghold.

⚔️The garrison of Fort Babylon successfully defended the fortress against Arab forces for 7 months during a siege.

🌍After the surrender of Fort Babylon, Cairo rose to prominence, becoming the capital of Egypt and replacing Alexandria.

👀The remains of the ancient fortress can still be seen in modern-day Cairo, serving as a reminder of its historical significance.

Q&A

What was the purpose of Fort Babylon?

Fort Babylon, located on Trajan's canal in Egypt, served as a strategic trading route between the Nile and the Red Sea.

What were the defenses of Fort Babylon?

The fortress had circular towers, a 15-meter-high wall, and crenulations along the walls and towers for protection.

How long did the garrison of Fort Babylon hold out against Arab forces?

The garrison successfully defended the fortress for a remarkable 7 months during the siege.

What happened after the surrender of Fort Babylon?

Cairo, originally known as Fort Babylon, became the capital of Egypt, replacing Alexandria.

Can the remains of Fort Babylon be visited today?

Yes, the remains of the ancient fortress can still be seen in the center of modern-day Cairo.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Fort Babylon, later known as Cairo, was a strategically located city that served as a trading route between the Nile and the Red Sea.

06:26The fortress of Babylon had impressive defenses, including circular towers and a 15-meter-high wall, making it an impenetrable stronghold.

12:17The garrison of Fort Babylon successfully defended the fortress against Arab forces for 7 months during a siege.

14:52After the surrender of Fort Babylon, Cairo rose to prominence, becoming the capital of Egypt and replacing Alexandria.

15:31The remains of the ancient fortress can still be seen in modern-day Cairo, serving as a reminder of its historical significance.