The dynasty founded by Muhammad Ali ruled Egypt for 150 years (1805-1953). It was a bewildering and exciting period in Egyptian history. The country experienced periods of rapid modernisation, foreign occupation (most notably by the British) and its first tentative steps towards independence. The reign of Ismail the Magnificent (1863-1879) combined vast development schemes (including the Suez Canal and the waterfront of Alexandria) with personal extravagance on an unprecedented scale resulting in bankruptcy and the British occupation of Egypt. The absurd luxury of the royal family and its disassociation with the population’s needs caused dissatisfaction among ordinary Egyptians, culminating in the revolution of 23 July 1952 that toppled King Farouk and led to abolishing the monarchy.