Part 7: The Fall of the Old Regime The Last Queen of the Nile
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The fall of the Old Regime began with the death of Queen Cleopatra in 30 BC. This marked the end of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, which had ruled Egypt for over three centuries.
The death of Cleopatra ushered in a period of political instability and civil war. The Roman Empire, which had been expanding its influence in the region, took advantage of the chaos and annexed Egypt in 30 BC.
The Roman occupation of Egypt was a period of great upheaval and change. The Roman Empire imposed its own laws and customs on the people of Egypt, and the old Egyptian religion and culture were slowly replaced by Roman culture.
The Roman Empire also brought in a new form of government, known as the Principate. This system of government was based on the rule of one man, the emperor, who had absolute power. This system was very different from the traditional Egyptian system of government, which had been based on the rule of a Pharaoh.
The Roman Empire also brought in a new system of taxation. The taxes were very high, and many Egyptians found it difficult to pay them. This led to widespread poverty and discontent among the people.
The Roman Empire also brought in a new system of slavery. Many Egyptians were forced into slavery, and the conditions of their servitude were often harsh.
The Roman Empire also brought in a new system of law. This system was based on Roman law, and it was very different from the traditional Egyptian system of justice.
The Roman occupation of Egypt lasted for over six centuries, and during this time the country underwent many changes. The old Egyptian religion and culture were slowly replaced by Roman culture, and the old system of government was replaced by the Principate.
The fall of the Old Regime was a long and complex process, and it had a lasting impact on the people of Egypt. The Roman occupation of Egypt marked the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one.