Egyptian

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Did you know Egyptians were one of the firsts in the world to play board games? They were also the first to forge peace treaties on record, use calendars, toothpaste, door locks and plow, invent eye-makeup, design world's first writing language (hieroglyphics), pop breath mints and shave and cut hair. That is right! Such was the ingenuity of the Egyptians. No wonder, in a land where greatness and accomplishment is measured by dynasties and deeds, its civilization stands revered as one of the most advanced civilizations of its times, and its countrymen, some of the most dexterous and avant-garde. From pharaohs and philosophers to singers and scientists and from architects and dentists to sculptors and physicians, Egypt has given the world some of the best exemplary men and women it has ever known. Let us explore the feats and deeds of some of world's most famous Egyptians through their timeline, trivia, and facts covered in the biographies here.
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 1 
Nefertiti
(Queen of the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt)
Nefertiti
31
Birthdate: 1370 BC
Birthplace: Thebes, Egypt
Died: 1330 BC

A queen of the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, Nefertiti was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. She and her husband reigned during a period marked by great prosperity in Ancient Egyptian history. Some scholars even claim that she reigned independently for some time following her husband’s death though this claim is a matter of debate.

 2 
Hatshepsut
(Women Ruler of Egypt from 1479 BC to 1458 BC)
Hatshepsut
27
Birthdate: 1507 BC
Birthplace: Ancient Egypt
Died: January 16, 1458

Hatshepsut, daughter of Thutmose I, ruled as the fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt and was the second female pharaoh, according to records. She was the chief wife of Thutmose II, and ruled jointly with Thutmose III, Thutmose II’s son. She also named herself God's Wife of Amun.

 3 
Hypatia
(Mathematician, Astronomer and Philosopher)
Hypatia
18
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: 0350 AD
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
Died: February 29, 0415
Hypatia was a Hellenistic Neoplatonist philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who lived during the 4th and 5th centuries. She also taught and served as a counselor. She is remembered for her commentary on Diophantus's Arithmetica. She was later murdered and became a symbol of feminism and of opposition to Catholic ideals.
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 4 
Mohamed Salah
(Egyptian Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Forward)
Mohamed Salah
166
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 15, 1992
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Nagrig, Egypt

Egyptian professional footballer Mohamed Salah is considered one of the best players in the world. Known for his finishing, dribbling, and speed, he plays for the Premier League club Liverpool and the Egyptian national team. He has been named the CAF African Footballer of the Year twice. His fans and the press have nicknamed him "The Pharaoh."

 5 
Tutankhamun
(King of Egypt from 1332 BC to 1323 BC)
Tutankhamun
40
Birthdate: 1341 BC
Birthplace: Amarna
Died: 1323 BC

Tutankhamun was an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled between 1334 and 1325 BC. He is one of the most studied ancient Egyptian pharaohs, thanks to his well-preserved tomb. Although he was not a popular ruler, the global exhibitions of artifacts associated with him have made Tutankhamun the most renowned pharaoh in the modern world.

 6 
Ramesses II
( Pharaoh of Egypt from 1279 BC to 1213 BC)
Ramesses II
25
Birthdate: 1303 BC
Birthplace: Egypt
Died: 1213 BC

Ramesses II, son of Seti I, was the third Egyptian pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty. Also known as the “Great Ancestor,” he is remembered for his aggressive military expeditions to Nubia and Canaan. The second longest-reigning ruler of Egypt, he is credited for building monuments and cities such as the Pi-Ramesses.

 7 
Saladin
(Sultan of Egypt and Syria (1174 - 1193))
Saladin
21
Birthdate: 1138 AD
Birthplace: Tikrit, Iraq
Died: March 4, 1193
Named the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saladin founded the Ayyubid Dynasty. He abolished the Fatimid Caliphate and later defeated the Crusaders at the Battle of Hattin, thus taking control of Palestine. As the de facto Caliph of Islam, he controlled a vast area, including Egypt, Syria, and Yemen.
 8 
Mohamed Al-Fayed
(Egyptian Businessman and Owner of 'Hôtel Ritz Paris')
Mohamed Al-Fayed
12
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: January 27, 1929
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: El-Gomorok, Alexandria

Mohamed Al-Fayed is a businessman whose son Dodi Fayed's death in a car crash alongside Diana, Princess of Wales became international news. Apart from being one of the richest businessmen in the world, Al-Fayed is also a humanitarian. In 1987, he established the Al Fayed Charitable Foundation, which aims at helping children living in poverty and children with life-limiting conditions.

 9 
Omar Sharif
17
Birthdate: April 10, 1932
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
Died: July 10, 2015
Egyptian actor Omar Sharif shot to fame with the iconic film Lawrence of Arabia, which won him two Golden Globes and an Academy Award nomination. He is also remembered for his role in Doctor Zhivago. He was one of the world’s top 50 contract bridge players and spoke six languages.
 10 
Akhenaten
(Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Who Reigned from 1353 BC to 1336 BC)
Akhenaten
8
Birthdate: 1372 AD
Birthplace: Egypt
Died: 1335 AD
Akhenaten ruled Egypt in 14th century B.C. He is believed to be Tutankhamun’s father. Akhenaten’s monuments and statues were destroyed following his death, as his deviation from the traditional polytheistic Egyptian culture, to worshipping Aten, was rejected by people. His capital city and his mummy were later unearthed by researchers.
 11 
Anwar Sadat
(Former President of Egypt)
Anwar Sadat
13
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: December 25, 1918
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Mit Abu al-Kum
Died: October 6, 1981
Anwar Sadat served as the president and prime minister of Egypt till his assassination in 1981. He was part of the Free Officers, a group that overthrew King Farouk. He became the first Muslim Nobel laureate, after winning the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty.
 12 
Thutmose III
(King of Egypt from 1479 BC to 1425 BC)
Thutmose III
8
Birthdate: 1481 AD
Birthplace: Ancient Egypt
Died: 1425 AD
The Napoleon of Egypt, Thutmose III is remembered for his ruthless expansion strategies. After co-ruling the kingdom with his regent stepmother, Hatshepsut, he enriched Egypt’s treasuries with the plunders from his raids as a pharaoh. He would often enter the battlefield on a chariot of gold, to intimidate his enemies.
 13 
Caesarion
(Pharaoh)
Caesarion
7
Birthdate: June 23, 0047
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
Died: August 23, 0030

Caesarion reigned as the last pharaoh of ancient Egypt from September 44 BC to August 30 BC. He was Julius Caesar's only known biological son and his mother Cleopatra ruled over ancient Egypt along with him. Caesarion's death at the age of 17 marked the beginning of the famous Roman Empire and the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt.

 14 
Joshua
(Ruler)
Joshua
3
Birthplace: Egypt
Died: 1245 AD

Hebrew leader Joshua led the Israelite tribes after Moses’s death. He finds mention in the Book of Joshua in the Old Testament. He played a major role in conquering Canaan after the Exodus. Apart from Christianity, Joshua is also significant in Islam and Islamic literature.

 15 
Seti I
(Pharaoh)
Seti I
2
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: 1323 BC
Birthplace: Avaris
Died: 1279 BC

The son of Ramesses I, Seti I was an Egyptian king of the 19th dynasty. Known for his glorious reign, as opposed to his father’s short 2-year rule, he fought wars in Palestine and Syria. He also built temples, mines, and wells, and completed the hypostyle hall at Karnak.

 16 
Narmer
(Egyptian King)
Narmer
6
Birthdate: 3150 BC
Birthplace: Thinis

While many historians believe Narmer of the First Dynastic Period was the first Egyptian king who brought about peace in the region, some scholars later claimed Narmer was the same as Menes. The Narmer Palette is one of the most significant relics that describe Narmer’s heroics through hieroglyphics.

 17 
Dodi Fayed
(Egyptian Film Producer and Romantic Partner of Diana, Princess of Wales)
Dodi Fayed
30
Birthdate: April 17, 1955
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
Died: August 31, 1997

Dodi Fayed was an Egyptian movie producer who died in a car crash in 1997 alongside his romantic partner Diana, Princess of Wales. The car crash became international news and Fayed is often referred to as Diana's eternal love. Fayed's billionaire father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, erected two memorials, including a 3-metre high bronze statue, to Diana and his son at Harrods.

 18 
Mamdouh Elssbiay
(Egyptian Professional Bodybuilder)
Mamdouh Elssbiay
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 16, 1984
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Baltim, Egypt
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 19 
Ankhesenamun
(Queen of Egypt from 1332 BC to 1323 BC)
Ankhesenamun
3
Birthdate: 1348 AD
Birthplace: TThebes, Egypt
Died: 1322 AD

Ankhesenamun was an Egyptian queen and wife of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Unlike other ancient Egyptian queens, Ankhesenamun's life, especially her youth, is well-documented in the ancient paintings and reliefs of the reign of her parents. As the Great Royal Wife of Tutankhamun, Ankhesenamun may have played an important role in his administration.

 20 
Umm Kulthum
(The Voice of Egypt)
Umm Kulthum
7
Birthdate: December 31, 1898
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: El-Senbellawein, Egypt
Died: February 3, 1975
 21 
Faten Hamama
(Actress)
Faten Hamama
5
Birthdate: May 27, 1931
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Mansoura, Egypt
Died: January 17, 2015

Faten Hamama was an Egyptian actress and film producer. Regarded as an icon in Middle Eastern and Egyptian cinema, Hamama played an important role in popularizing the film industry in Egypt. She is also remembered for stressing the importance of women in the film industry and Egyptian society at large. In 1965, she was awarded the Decoration of the Republic.

 22 
Ahmed Zewail
(Chemist)
Ahmed Zewail
4
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: February 26, 1946
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Damanhour, Egypt
Died: August 2, 2016
 23 
Fawzia Fuad of Egypt
(Queen)
Fawzia Fuad of Egypt
5
Birthdate: November 5, 1921
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
Died: July 2, 2013

Often compared to actor Hedy Lamarr, for her beauty, Fawzia Fuad, the daughter of Fuad I, was an Egyptian princess who later became the empress of Iran, as Mohammad Reza Shah’s first wife. An unhappy marriage led to her divorce, following which she married diplomat Ismail Chirine.

 24 
Hosni Mubarak
(Former President of Egypt)
Hosni Mubarak
9
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: May 4, 1928
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Monufia Governorate
Died: February 25, 2025

Egyptian military and political leader Hosni Mubarak served as the fourth president of Egypt from 1981 to 2011. An Egyptian Air Force officer prior to entering politics, he assumed office as the president after the incumbent Anwar Sadat's assassination in 1981. After 30 years, he had to step down from the presidency during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. 

 25 
Ashraf Marwan
(Egyptian billionaire who worked as a spy for the Israeli Mossad and deceived Israel in 1973 war.)
Ashraf Marwan
2
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: February 2, 1944
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cairo, Egypt
Died: June 27, 2007

Ashraf Marwan was an Egyptian billionaire businessman and diplomat. He is best remembered for his work as a spy for Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency. In 2002, it was revealed that Ashraf Marwan had been working for Egyptian Intelligence and that he may have misled Mossad with wrong information in the years leading up to the Yom Kippur War.

 26 
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
(6th and Current President of Egypt (Since 2014))
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
18
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 19, 1954
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Cairo, Egypt
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is the incumbent president of Egypt. He has also served as the director of military Intelligence and the minister of defense. He has had a long stint with the Egyptian Army and led the coup that ousted President Mohamed Morsi. He has established a dictatorial regime.
 27 
Cambyses II
(Pharaoh of Egypt)
Cambyses II
2
Birthplace: Unknown
Died: June 30, 0522

Cambyses II was the second King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire. He ruled from 530 BC to 522 BC. He was the son of Cyrus the Great and Cassandane. Before claiming the throne, he served as the governor of northern Babylonia under his father. His reign was relatively brief and marked by his conquests in Africa, notably Egypt. 

 28 
Moses
(Hebrew Religious Leader, Prophet)
Moses
18
Birthplace: Land of Goshen, Ancient Egypt

A prominent prophet in Islam, Christianity, and the Baháʼí Faith among other Abrahamic religions, Moses is also the most important prophet in Judaism. One of the most important biblical characters, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments are fundamental to both Christianity and Judaism. The authorship of the Torah is also attributed to Moses.

 29 
Naguib Mahfouz
(Novelist)
Naguib Mahfouz
9
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: December 11, 1911
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Cairo, Egypt
Died: August 30, 2006

Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz had previously worked in the Egyptian civil service. Initially a short story writer, he later wrote novels such as Al-Thulāthiyyah, or The Cairo Trilogy. His novel Children of the Alley was banned for its religious references and led him to be stabbed by Islamists.

 30 
Ramesses I
(Pharaoh, Sovereign)
Ramesses I
0
Listed In:
Birthplace: Avaris
Died: 1294 BC

Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses I was the founder of the 19th dynasty but had a brief reign. His mummy was stolen from Egypt by looters and transported through Turkish agents to the US and eventually ended up in a Canadian museum. Years later, it was returned to Egypt and displayed at Luxor Museum.

 31 
Zahi Hawass
(Egyptian Egyptologist, Archaeologist, and Politician)
Zahi Hawass
2
Birthdate: May 28, 1947
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Damietta
 32 
Ramesses III
(Pharaoh of Egypt)
Ramesses III
0
Birthdate: 1217 BC
Birthplace: Thebes, Egypt
Died: 1155 BC

The son of Setnakhte, the founder of the 20th dynasty in Egypt, Ramesses III, or the warrior Pharaoh, had a long reign that was marked by peace and his successful defense against foreign invasions. Studies suggest he was assassinated in a coup led by one of his wives.

 33 
Amr Diab
(Singer)
Amr Diab
4
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 11, 1961
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Port Said
 34 
Magdi Yacoub
(Heart Surgeon)
Magdi Yacoub
14
Listed In: Physicians
Birthdate: November 16, 1935
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Belbin, Ashraqya, Egypt

Magdi Yacoub is a retired professor who worked at Imperial College London. He is best known for his work in repairing heart valves, a procedure which came to be known as the Ross-Yacoub procedure. In 1983, he performed the United Kingdom's first combined lung and heart transplant. Also a humanitarian, Yacoub co-founded the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Foundation in 2008.

 35 
Philo
(Jewish Philosopher Who Lived in Alexandria)
Philo
0
Birthdate: 0020 BC
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
Died: 0050 BC

Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria was perhaps the first to use allegory to fuse Jewish scriptures with Greek philosophy. Though not much is known about his life, it is believed Philo was a lover of theater, boxing contests, and lavish dinners. His written works showcase the development of Hellenistic Judaism.

 36 
Nassef Sawiris
(entrepreneur, businessperson)
Nassef Sawiris
1
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: 1961 AD
Birthplace: Egypt

One of the wealthiest businessmen from Egypt, Nassef Sawiris has helmed Orascom Construction Industries as its CEO. The youngest son of construction magnate Onsi Sawiris, he became the richest Arab in 2021. He was also 4th on the Forbes list of Africa's Billionaires in 2022.

 37 
Hagar
(Abraham’s concubine and the mother of his son Ishmael)
Hagar
2
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthplace: Egypt
A prominent Biblical figure, Hagar, also known as Agar, finds mention in the Old Testament. Known as the concubine of Abraham and the mother of his child, Ishmael, Hagar was an Egyptian slave bought to serve Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Sarah, being childless, allowed Hagar to conceive Abraham’s child.
 38 
Amenhotep III
(Pharaoh)
Amenhotep III
2
Birthdate: 1411 BC
Birthplace: Ancient Egypt
Died: 1353 BC

Amenhotep III reigned as the ninth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt during the early and mid-14th century BC. Nicknamed Amenhotep the Magnificent, Amenhotep III's reign witnessed Egypt reach the height of its international and artistic power. Under his reign, Egypt also enjoyed unprecedented splendor and prosperity.

 39 
Sneferu
(King of Ancient Egypt from 2575 BC to 2465 BC)
Sneferu
1
Birthplace: Ancient Egypt
Died: 2589 BC

Sneferu reigned as a pharaoh during the Old Kingdom. The founding pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, Sneferu is credited with introducing important innovations in the construction and design of the Egyptian pyramids. At least three pyramids, which were built during his time, have survived to this day.

 40 
Horemheb
(Pharaoh)
Horemheb
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthplace: Heracleopolis Magna
Died: 1292 BC

The last king of the 18th dynasty of Egypt, Horemheb is best remembered for reviving the Amon religion, which was suppressed by Akhenaton. He headed an army under Tutankhamen and succeeded Ay as the ruler. He dismantled temples of god Aton and rebuilt statues of god Amon.

 41 
Yusuf al-Qaradawi
(Egyptian Islamic Scholar)
Yusuf al-Qaradawi
1
Birthdate: September 9, 1926
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Saft Turab, Egypt

Yusuf al-Qaradawi was an Egyptian scholar based in Qatar. An important influencer in the Muslim world, Al-Qaradawi is best remembered for his program, Sharia and Life. In addition to authoring over 120 books, Yusuf al-Qaradawi also helped found a website known as IslamOnline. Al-Qaradawi is often counted among the most influential Islamic scholars of his generation.

 42 
Mohamed Aboutrika
(Association football player)
Mohamed Aboutrika
5
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 7, 1978
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Giza

Mohamed Aboutrika is an Egyptian former footballer who helped his national team win the 2006 African Cup of Nations. In the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, he played a key role in Egypt's success by scoring the winning goal in the finals. A controversial figure, Aboutrika's association with the Muslim Brotherhood has earned him a place in a terror list.

 43 
Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator
(Pharaoh of Egypt (51–47 BC))
Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator
1
Birthdate: 0062 BC
Birthplace: Egypt
Died: January 13, 0047

The son of pharaoh Ptolemy XII, Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator co-ruled with his sister, Cleopatra VII. Faced with a civil war after he forced his sister to flee to Syria, he later ruled with Arsinoe IV, another sister. He was killed while battling Julius Caesar’s forces in the Alexandrian War.

 44 
Ahmose I
(Ruler)
Ahmose I
0
Birthplace: Thebes

Ahmose I was an Egyptian pharaoh credited with founding the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Identified as the New Kingdom of Egypt's first dynasty, Ahmose's Eighteenth Dynasty marked the beginning of an era, during which ancient Egypt achieved the height of its power. Ahmose started construction projects which culminated in the erection of the last pyramid constructed by native Egyptian rulers.

 45 
Fuad II of Egypt
(Former King of Egypt and the Sudan (1952 - 1953) and a Member of the Egyptian Muhammad Ali Dynasty)
Fuad II of Egypt
2
Birthdate: January 16, 1952
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cairo, Kingdom of Egypt

The son of king Farouk I of Egypt, Fuad II became a king at age 6 months, following his father’s abdication. He ruled for less than a year and was exiled soon after. He grew up in Switzerland and France and was given back his Egyptian citizenship years later.

 46 
Mohamed A. El-Erian
(Egyptian-American Economist and Former CEO of 'PIMCO')
Mohamed A. El-Erian
3
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: August 19, 1958
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States

Born to Egyptian parents in New York, Mohamed A. El-Erian grew up in the U.S., Egypt, and France, with his diplomat father. Educated at Cambridge and Oxford, he later served as the CEO of PIMCO. Apart from being a Bloomberg columnist, he has also written bestsellers such as When Markets Collide.

 47 
Ptolemy XII Auletes
(Pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt)
Ptolemy XII Auletes
0
Birthdate: 0117 AD
Birthplace: Unknown
Died: 0051 AD

Being an illegitimate son of Ptolemy IX, Ptolemy XII Auletes apparently bribed Julius Caesar, in exchange for a law acknowledging his kingship in Egypt. He was later exiled, but came back to Egypt and killed his daughter, Berenice IV, who ruled in his absence and with the support of the opposition.

 48 
Bardiya
(Pharaoh of Egypt)
Bardiya
1
Birthplace: Pasargadae, Iran
Died: 0522 AD

Born to Cyrus the Great of Persia, Bardiya was also known as Tanyoxarces. Though most sources believe he was the king of Persia, some sources claim an impersonator ruled Persia, pretending to be the real son of Cyrus. Both historian Herodotus and king Darius believed the impersonator was Gaumata, a magus.

 49 
Fuad I of Egypt
(Sultan of Egypt)
Fuad I of Egypt
0
Birthdate: March 26, 1868
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Cairo, Egypt
Died: April 28, 1936

Fuad I of Egypt was the Sultan of Egypt who ruled as the ninth ruler of Sudan and Egypt from the Muhammad Ali dynasty. Fuad played an important role in modern Egyptian historiography. His efforts to depict his ancestors as benevolent monarchs and nationalists would prove to be a long-lasting influence on Egyptian history.

 50 
Djoser
(Ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 3rd Dynasty during the Old Kingdom and the founder of this epoch)
Djoser
0
Birthplace: Egypt