1. Ancient Egyptians: The majority of the population was composed of ancient Egyptians. They were an ethnically diverse group with a shared culture, religion, and language (Ancient Egyptian). The ancient Egyptian civilization flourished from around 3100 BCE to 332 BCE, with varying periods of prosperity and decline.
2. Nubians: The Nubians were the inhabitants of the region south of Egypt, known as Nubia. They had a distinct culture and a long history of trade and interaction with ancient Egypt. The Nubians established their own powerful kingdoms, such as Kush, and eventually ruled Egypt during the 25th Dynasty (747-656 BCE).
3. Berbers: The Berbers were a group of nomadic and semi-nomadic people who inhabited the northern and western regions of Africa, including parts of ancient Egypt. They had a close connection to the ancient Egyptians and contributed to the development of Egypt's culture and art.
4. Greeks: Following Alexander the Great's conquests in 332 BCE, a significant number of Greeks migrated to Egypt and settled in Alexandria. They brought their culture, language, and philosophical ideas, influencing various aspects of Egyptian society during the Hellenistic period.
5. Romans: After the Roman conquest of Egypt in 30 BCE, the country became a province of the Roman Empire. Roman citizens, military personnel, and administrators settled in Egypt, introducing their customs, laws, and political structures.
6. Jews: Jewish communities have had a presence in Egypt since ancient times. They first arrived during the biblical period and later experienced significant growth during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Jewish communities played an important role in various fields, including trade, administration, and philosophy.
7. Various Foreign Traders and Mercenaries: Ancient Egypt attracted traders and mercenaries from different parts of the ancient world, including Phoenicians, Syrians, Persians, and Greeks. These individuals often settled in Egypt and contributed to its cultural diversity.
It is important to note that the movement of people in and out of Egypt throughout its long history resulted in a dynamic and cosmopolitan society. The interactions and exchanges between these diverse groups shaped the rich cultural heritage of ancient Egypt.