The Byzantine Invasion of Europe

Byzantine occupation of Alexandria.

In Alexandria there was a considerable population of the Byzantines who owed nominal allegiance to the Muslims, and whose loyalties lay with the Government of Byzantium.

With the death of Umar, and the deposition of 'Amr b Al 'Aas from the Governorship of Egypt of Byzantines of Alexandria felt that it was the right moment to throw off the yoke of the Muslims. The Byzantines of Alexandria moved the Emperor of Byzantium, Constans to invade Egypt and reconquer it from the Muslims.

Early in 646 C.E., a large Byzantine force landed at Alexandria. There was only a small Muslim garrison in Alexandria generally remained faithful to the Muslims, but they were not in a position to offer any resistance to the Byzantines. The Byzantine forces occupied Alexandria without much difficulty.

Recall of 'Amr b Al 'Aas

From the base at Alexandria, the Byzantines planned to reconquer the whole of Egypt. The Muslims of Egypt sent a delegation to Madina to wait on Uthman, and prevail on him to restore 'Amr b Al 'Aas to the command of Egypt for he alone could save Egypt for the Muslims.

Uthman summoned 'Amr b Al 'Aas , and appealed to him to take over the command of Egypt. He stipulated some terms which were accepted by Uthman. 'Amr b Al 'Aas was made the Governor of Upper as well as Lower Egypt, and he was also to be the supreme commander of the military forces in Egypt. Abdullah b Saad was to hold a subordinate position under 'Amr b Al 'Aas .

Battle of Naqyus

On taking over charge, 'Amr b Al 'Aas reviewed the situation, and decided that instead of attacking Alexandria forthwith, the Byzantines should be drawn inside the country, and then given a battle.

The Byzantine force advanced from Alexandria, and marched to Fustat with a view to capturing it. The Muslim force under 'Amr b Al 'Aas marched from Fustat to meet the Byzantines half way. The two forces met at Naqyus.

The battle began with a duel between the Byzantine General, and a Muslim warrior Haumal bin Abu Madhhij. As a result of the duel both the contestants died. Thereafter the two forces clashed. In spite of their superiority in strength, the Byzantines were defeated and they retreated to Alexandria.

Siege of Alexandria

The Muslims pursued the retreating Byzantines, and laid siege to Alexandria. The siege dragged on for some time. The Byzantines within Alexandria became the victims of mutual dissension. Ibn Bassama a gate-keeper of one of the gates contacted the Muslims, and offered to open the gate to the Muslims, in case he was granted amnesty. 'Amr b Al 'Aas accepted the offer. One night the gate was opened, and the Muslim force rushed inside the city. In a hand to hand fight that followed the Byzantines were defeated, and the Muslims recaptured the city. On occupying the city, Amr b Al 'Aas had the walls of the city demolished to prevent the enemy from taking shelter within the city. The Copts who had remained loyal to the Muslims were duly compensated for the losses they had suffered because of the invasion of the Byzantines. After reorganizing the administration of Alexandria, 'Amr b Al 'Aas returned in triumph to Fustat.

Deposition of 'Amr b Al 'Aas

When Abdullah b Sa'ad was made the Governor of Lower as well as Upper Egypt, he managed to increase the revenues substantially. When 'Amr b Al 'Aas became the Governor, the revenues decreased again. At the fall of revenues, Uthman decided that while 'Amr b 'Aas should remain the Governor, Abdullah b Sa'ad should hold independent charge of the Revenue Department. To this arrangement, 'Amr b A1 'Aas did not agree. He said that such an arrangement would amount to his holding the cow by the horns while some one else milked it. The controversy assumed a bitter turn. Uthman placed two alternatives before 'Amr b Al 'Aas , either he should guarantee a stipulated amount of revenue each year or he should agree to Abdullah b Sa'ad holding independent charge of the Revenue Department. 'Amr b Al 'Aas did not agree to any of these alternatives. Thereupon Uthman deposed 'Amr b Al 'Aas from the Governorship of Egypt. Abdullah b Sa'ad became the Governor and he stipulated that a certain sum would be guaranteed as the revenue for each year. This difference between Uthman and 'Amr b A1 'Aas is regrettable. It appears that as the conqueror of Egypt, 'Amr b A1 'Aas had developed a certain sense of pride and haughtiness which prevented him to see things in their proper perspective. As the Caliph, Uthman had every right to insist that Egypt should raise revenues commensurate to its importance, and as the Governor 'Amr b Al 'Aas should have collaborated in the implementation of such measures. Amr b A1 'Aas protested against these measures, Uthman had every right to depose him.