The Dispersed Olden Egyptians

Egypt was the most dominant, populous, and famed country in the ancient world, as affirmed by Diodorus, Book I, [31, 6-9],

In density of population Egypt far surpassed of old all known regions of the inhabited world, and even in our own day is thought to be second to none . . . . . .The total population, they say, was of old about seven million and the number has remained no less down to our day.

Herodotus affirmed that 20,000 populous cities existed in Egypt during the reign of Amasis. Diodorus reported that there were 18,000 large villages and towns; and stated that, under Ptolemy Lagus, they amounted to more than 30,000. Josephus estimated the population during the reign of Vespasian, at 7.5 million in the valley of the Nile, in addition to the population of Alexandria, which was about 800,000.

Superficially, Ancient Egypt seems isolated and distinct from the rest of the world, isolated by the deserts that hem in the narrow valley of the Nile. Yet the Egyptians were in constant contact with other countries. Classical writers such as Plutarch, Herodotus, and Diodorus told how Ancient Egypt had peaceful colonies throughout the world. Diodorus of Sicily, Book I, [29, 5], states:

In general, the Egyptians say that their ancestors sent forth numerous colonies to many parts of the inhabited world, by reason of the pre-eminence of their former kings and their excessive population;

Diodorus, Book I, [28, 1-4], tells of some Egyptian peaceful colonies that were reported to him in Asia and Europe:

. . . a great number of colonies were spread from Egypt over all the inhabited world. To Babylon, for instance, colonists were led by Belus, who was held to be the son of Poseidon and Libya . . . . .
. . . . . They say also that those who set forth with Danaus, likewise from Egypt, settled what is practically the oldest city of Greece, Argos, and that the nation of the Colchi in Pontus and that of the Jews, which lies between Arabia and Syria, were founded as colonies by certain emigrants from their country. . . . .

By virtue of the eminence of the Egyptian colonists in Asia and Europe, they played a major role in their new settlements. Diodorus, Book I, [28,6-7], discusses the significant role of the Egyptian colonists as rulers of these new colonies:

Moreover, certain of the rulers of Athens were originally Egyptians, they say. Petes, [Called Peteus in Iliad 2. 552.] for instance, the father of that Menestheus who took part in the expedition against Troy, having clearly been an Egyptian, later obtained citizenship at Athens and the kingship.

Diodorus, Book I, [29, 1-5], also states:

In the same way, they continue, Erechtheus also, who was by birth an Egyptian, became king of Athens. . . . Erechtheus, through his racial connection with Egypt, brought from there to Athens a great supply of grain, and in return those who had enjoyed this aid made their benefactor king. After he had secured the throne he instituted the initiatory rites of Demeter in Eleusis and established the mysteries, transferring their ritual from Egypt. . . . . And their sacrifices as well as their ancient ceremonies are observed by the Athenians in the same way as by the Egyptians. . . . .
. . . . . in charge of the more important religious ceremonies of Attica; the pastophoroi were those Egyptian priests who carried in processions small shrines of the gods. They are also the only Greeks who swear by Isis, and they closely resemble the Egyptians in both their appearance and manners.

The above references were written by European writers who concentrated on some of the peaceful Egyptian colonies that were established in the Greek Isles. More references to Egyptian colonies in Europe were mentioned in the writings of other classical writers such as Herodotus, Plutarch, etc.

It should be noted that Ancient Egyptian records (as well as records in other areas) have countless names of places in the world that are not recognizable in our present time. Names of places, ethnic groups, and countries keep on changing. The country names of Europe just 100 years ago, for example, are unrecognizable to most present-day Europeans. When these records disappear, a few centuries from now, the names of such countries will be totally unrecognizable. The same point can be made for places throughout the world.

In numerous locations in the world, there are references to tanned/brown-skinned people who caused the enlightenment in regions throughout the world. They are described as:

1. of oriental origin and characteristics.
2. un-warlike people who settled peacefully among the local population.
3. highly advanced in metallurgy, and have manufactured large quantities of metal products.
4. highly organized and very talented in management.
5. highly advanced in dry weather farming, irrigation, etc.
6. experienced builders and artisans, and have built megalithic tombs, etc.
7. very religious people who had Animistic beliefs.

The above descriptions can only apply to one countryEgypt. By combining oral traditions, ethno-history, and archeological evidence (dating of major settlements, tombs, mining activities, etc.) of all the people in the Mediterranean Basin, one can see that the civilized newcomers could come only from the Nile Valley.

Immigration from Egypt occurred in several waves. It was closely related to the events in Ancient Egypt. Some left in prosperous times to pursue business contacts. The majority left in stressful times.

Moustafa Gadalla

All Olden Egyptians worldwide are invited and encouraged to participate, and to encourage others to participate, by posting their stories, conditions, traditions, etc, on this website. Any language is welcome: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc. We want PURE Egyptian essence only. Therefore, there will be NO explicit/implicit endorsement/ validation/ acceptance of islam, christianity or judaism.

Please send your articles, in any language, to mgadalla@egypt-tehuti.org

For more information about the Egyptian immigration waves to sub-Sahara and interior Africa, read our book:

Exiled Egyptians: The Heart of Africa by Moustafa Gadalla 352 pages, 5.5″ x 8.5″ List Price: $19.95 USD (paperback) $13.95 USD (eBook)

For more information about the Egyptian immigration waves to the Iberian Peninsula, read our book:

Egyptian Romany: The Essence of Hispania by Moustafa Gadalla 272 pages, 5.5″ x 8.5″ List Price: $16.50 USD (paperback) $10.95 USD (eBook)