The Roman emperors , like the Ptolemies, adopted many of the Egyptian cults, building such monuments as Trajan's kiosk at Philae, and temples at Dendara and Esna. Their main interest in the new colony, however, lay in its potential as grain supplier to Rome. With this end constantly in mind, trade routes were ensured by Roman garrisons at Alexandria, Babylon (Old Cairo) and Syene (Aswan). In terms of culture, language and administration, Hellenistic influence barely diminished and Alexandria continued to thrive as an important centre of Greek and Hebrew learning.

 

Although the Holy Family's flight to Egypt from Palestine cannot be proven, Egypt's Jewish colonies would have been a natural place of refuge, and several sites remain associated with the episode. According to Coptic tradition, Christianity was brought to Egypt by St Mark , who arrived in the time of Nero. Mark converted many to the new underground faith, founding the Patriarchate of Alexandria in 61 AD.

Politically, the most significant ruler was Trajan (98-117), who reopened Necho's Red Sea Canal. Trade flourished with the export of glass, linen, papyrus and precious stones. But the fellaheen were growing increasingly discontented with heavy taxation and forced recruitment into the Roman army.