UNVEILING THE CROSSROADS OF ANTIQUITY: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT CONTACTS BETWEEN ATHENS AND THE IONIAN ISLANDS WITH EGYPT

Abstract

Greece and Egypt are two ancient civilizations that developed individually in two continents, Europe and Africa respectively. History reveals a long-lasting mutually beneficial relationship that was maintained between these two nations. The primary aim of the research was to identify the types of encounters recorded in ancient literature and revealed through modern archaeology. Thereby, the research developed into understanding the nature and dynamics that nourished the significant diplomatic relations maintained between ancient Greece and Egypt from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century BCE. The research mainly followed a historical method in acquiring knowledge from primary sources and adopted an analytical and eclectic research method under qualitative research methodology to extract the findings from the gathered information. The research recognized several significant grounds developed between Greece and Egypt that strengthened their bilateral relations. A close examination of the evidence revealed this diplomatic understanding was mainly built between Athens, the Ionian states, and Egypt as a result of national interest, the impact of necessity, geographical proximities, political and social practices, and cultural similarities of each party involved. Significantly, the research identified an influential ‘Intellectual Triangle’ that developed between Athens, the Ionian states, and Egypt that bridged these regions enabling the exchange of a vast amount of knowledge in areas such as philosophy, art and architecture, medicine, mythology and religion that mainly enriched the culture of Greece. Further, they resulted in shaping the socio-political and military dynamics of ancient Greece and Egypt. In conclusion, this diplomatic understanding has evolved up to the development of mutually beneficial diplomatic agreements signed between Greece and Egypt in the 21st century while continuously strengthening the alliance between these two nations among the other countries in the Mediterranean basin.