A British victory that halted French forces near Alexandria, leading to the eventual French withdrawal from Egypt.
Key Facts
- Date
- 21 March 1801
- British commander
- General Sir Ralph Abercromby
- French commander
- Divisional-general Jacques-François Menou
- Location detail
- Near ruins of Nicopolis, between Mediterranean Sea and Abukir
- Outcome
- British victory; French routed after several hours of fighting
- Alexandria surrender
- September 1801
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
France had invaded Egypt and Syria under Napoleon, and by 1801 British forces had landed to expel them. The French commander Menou chose to launch an assault on the entrenched British positions on the narrow spit of land between the Mediterranean Sea and Abukir Bay, near the ruins of Nicopolis.
On 21 March 1801, Menou's French army attacked the British forces led by General Sir Ralph Abercromby. After several hours of fierce fighting, the British, supported by naval forces under Sidney Smith, repelled and routed the French assault. Abercromby was mortally wounded during the engagement.
The British victory secured their foothold near Alexandria. Command passed to John Hely-Hutchinson, who advanced on Alexandria and laid siege to the city. Alexandria surrendered in September 1801, accelerating the end of the French military presence in Egypt.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Sir Ralph Abercromby, Rear Admiral Sidney Smith, John Hely-Hutchinson.
Side B
1 belligerent
Jacques-François Menou.