Topic summary

Cyrus of Alexandria

Cyrus of Alexandria

Cyrus of Alexandria (Arabic: المقوقسal-Muqawqis, Greek: Κῦρος Ἀλεξανδρείας; d. 21 March 642) was a prominent figure in the 7th century Byzantine Empire. He served as a Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria, as well as the de factogovernor of Egypt. As governor, he heavily persecuted the Copts, and during the Arab conquest of Egypt, continually pushed for surrender and sabotaged the Byzantine military's defence of the country. Notably, he also played a significant role in the development of monothelitism. Cyrus died in Alexandria on March 21, 642.