The history of the Egyptian Greeks, also known as the Egyptiotes or Greeks in Egypt, spans over centuries, from the Hellenistic period until the aftermath of the Egyptian coup d'état in 1952. The Greek community in Egypt has left an indelible mark on the country's cultural, political, and social fabric.

The presence of Greeks in Egypt dates back to at least the 7th century BC. According to the accounts of the renowned historian Herodotus, the Greeks were among the first groups of foreigners to settle in ancient Egypt. Herodotus visited Egypt in the 5th century BC and observed the early interactions between Greeks and Egyptians.

During this period, historical colonies were established, and significant cities emerged as centers of Greek influence. Naucratis, founded in the 7th century BC, was the first permanent Greek colony in Egypt. Situated on the Canopic branch of the Nile River, Naucratis served as a vital nexus for the exchange of Greek and Egyptian art and culture. Another notable city, Heracleion, became a bustling port for Greek trade. It was adorned with a famous temple dedicated to Heracles, the mythical hero. Despite sinking into the sea, Heracleion was rediscovered in recent times, providing valuable insights into the Greek presence in Egypt.

In subsequent centuries, Greek mercenary armies played significant roles in Egyptian wars. Leaders such as Mentor of Rhodes and Phanes of Halicarnassus led these armies, aiding in various conflicts and shaping the course of Egyptian history.

The Hellenistic period marked a transformative era for Greece and Egypt. Alexander the Great, during his conquests, acquired Egypt and respected its pharaonic religions and customs. He was declared Pharaoh of Egypt, and Alexandria, founded by Alexander, became a vibrant center of the Greek and Hellenistic world. Following Alexander's death, Ptolemy I Soter, one of his generals, assumed control of Egypt, establishing the Ptolemaic dynasty. The Ptolemies were of Greek ethnicity and produced notable rulers such as Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Egypt. Alexandria thrived as a hub of international commerce, art, and scientific advancements, boasting the renowned Library of Alexandria and the illustrious Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Roman period saw the consolidation of Greco-Roman rule in Egypt. Greek settlements, primarily concentrated in Alexandria, flourished alongside the native Egyptian population. Faiyum, a region in Egypt, attracted Greek soldier-veterans and cleruchs who were resettled there by the Ptolemaic kings. This led to a synthesis of Greek and Egyptian cultures, as evident in the Faiyum mummy portraits—a testament to the complex intermingling of the Egyptian and Greek elites.

By the time of the Roman emperor Caracalla in the 2nd century AD, the distinction between ethnic Egyptians and Egyptian Greeks became more apparent through language and speech. However, intermarriage and bilingualism were prevalent within the Greek and Egyptian communities, creating a unique cultural blend.

The influence of Greek culture persisted during the Islamic and Ottoman eras. Many Ottoman Sultans and Pashas of Greek descent, including Damat Hasan Pasha and Raghib Pasha, ruled over Egypt. The Ottoman Caliphate witnessed Greek political and cultural prominence, shaping Egypt's history under Ottoman rule.

The Greek presence in Egypt continued to evolve over time. Greek Muslims from Crete, known as Cretan Turks, were resettled in Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, and Syria by Sultan Abdul Hamid II following the Greco-Turkish War of 1897. Their migration further enriched the diverse Greek communities across the region.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the Greek Community in Egypt has experienced significant changes. In 1920, there were approximately 200,000 Greeks living in Egypt, and by 1940, that number had increased to around 300,000. These Greeks formed vibrant communities in cities like Alexandria and Cairo, where they established schools, churches, hospitals, and other institutions.

In Alexandria, the Greek community revolved around the church and convent of Sabbas the Sanctified. The area also housed a guest house for Greek travelers, a Greek hospital, and later a Greek school. The Greek Orthodox bishop had his base in Damietta, in the church of Nikolaos of Myrna. In Cairo, the first organized Greek community was founded in 1856, with neighborhoods such as Tzouonia, Haret el Roum (Street of the Greeks), and Hamzaoui serving as its centers. The Patriarchate was based in Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hamzaoui. The monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo still stands today and is surrounded by a large wall. Within its walls, there was a Greek hospital, a school, and housing for the elderly and the poor.

The Greek communities extended beyond Alexandria and Cairo. In Mansoura, Port Said, Tanta, and Zagazig, organized Greek communities flourished. There were also smaller Greek communities scattered across Egypt, mainly in Cairo and Alexandria. The city of Minia in Upper Egypt boasted the oldest ancient Greek community, which was founded in 1812.

The Greek community in Egypt made significant contributions to various industries. Greek bankers played a crucial role in establishing the first banks in Egypt, including the Bank of Alexandria, the Anglo-Egyptian Bank, and the General Bank of Alexandria. Greek agriculturists and farmers introduced scientific planning to the cultivation of cotton and tobacco, revolutionizing the quantity and quality of production and dominating the exports of these commodities. Greek families such as Salvagos, Benakis, Rodochanakis, and Zervoudachis were notable in the tobacco commerce. Greek entrepreneurs and craftsmen excelled in areas such as food production, wine, soap, wood crafts, and printing.

The Greek community also thrived in the cultural sphere. The macaroni industries of Melachrinos and Antoniadis gained recognition in the food industry. Argyriou, Roussoglou, and Paleoroutas made significant contributions to cheese and butter production. Greek theatres and cinemas entertained audiences, and major Greek newspapers like Ta grammata, Tachydromos, and Nea Zoe provided news and information. The Greek community in Egypt produced numerous artists, writers, diplomats, and politicians, including renowned poet Constantine P. Cavafy and painter Konstantinos Parthenis.

During times of conflict, the Greek community in Egypt displayed solidarity and support. During the Balkan Wars, they sent volunteers, funded hospitals, and provided assistance to the families of soldiers. In World War II, more than 7,000 Greeks fought for the Allies in the Middle East, with 142 losing their lives. Their financial contribution to the war effort amounted to 2,500 million Egyptian pounds.

However, the Greek community faced challenges and underwent significant changes. The exodus of Greeks from Egypt began even before the 1952 coup d'état. With the rise of Pan-Arab nationalism under Gamal Abdel Nasser's regime and the nationalization of industries in 1961 and 1963, many Greek employees chose to emigrate. Greeks migrated to countries such as Australia, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Western Europe, and Greece. This led to the closure of numerous Greek schools, churches, and institutions. The Arab-Israeli wars of 1956 and 1967 also played a role in the uprooting of the Greek community in cities along the Suez Canal, particularly Port Said.

Today, the Greek community in Egypt is smaller, officially numbering around 5,000 people, although independent estimates suggest a higher figure of 60,000. Many individuals of Greek origin have changed their nationality and are now counted as Egyptian. Efforts have been made to preserve and revitalize Greek cultural heritage in Egypt. Restoration projects, supported by the Greek government and the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation, have been undertaken on significant buildings such as Saint Nicholas Church in Cairo and several others in Alexandria. The Greek community has received visits from Greek politicians, and diplomatic relations between Greece and Egypt have improved. Economic ties have expanded, with major Greek investments in sectors such as banking, tourism, paper, and the oil industry.

In conclusion, the Greek community in Egypt has left a lasting legacy of philanthropy, cultural contributions, and economic impact. From their philanthropic endeavors to their contributions in various industries, Greeks in Egypt have played an essential role in the country's history. Although the community has undergone significant changes, efforts to preserve Greek cultural heritage and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties continue to shape the modern Greek presence in Egypt.