This book throws light on aspects of the history of the Eastern Mediterranean peoples, presenting Greek-Egyptian relations as a positive stabilizing factor in the region. It analyses economic transactions and cultural exchanges from the Bronze Age onwards.

It describes the disastrous intervention of the Asian Great Powers and the successful way that the Egyptians tackled the “sea peoples” who were a fatal threat to the population of the Eastern Mediterranean. It describes the Egyptian uprisings against the Persians during the 6th and the 5th century BC, Egyptian independence during the 4th century BC, and Persia’s attempts to recapture Egypt. In particular, the book analyses the adverse political and economic impact on the peoples of the Eastern Mediterranean after Egypt’s surrender to Persia. It highlights facts and details regarding Egypt’s efforts to throw off the Persian yoke, to maintain its independence and to regain its strategic role in the Middle East—with the active support of Athens, Sparta and Cyprus. It also examines the arrival of Alexander the Great, the final ending of Persian sovereignty, and the foundation of Alexandria as factors for tranquillity and prosperity in Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean region.