Coptic history is the history of the Coptic people and their cultural heritage. The Copt people are an ethnic group originally from Egypt who have their own language, Coptic, and their own religion, Coptic Christianity. The Copts are one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, having been around for over 2000 years. They were originally part of the Roman Empire and were heavily persecuted during that time. After the Islamic conquest of Egypt in the seventh century, the Copts maintained their culture and traditions but were often discriminated against. This discrimination worsened during the 19th century when they were the only Christian population in Egypt. Today, the Coptic people still live in Egypt and have a strong presence in the Middle East. They have played an important role in the region’s history, particularly during the Christian Crusades of the Middle Ages and in the fight against Islamic jihad during the 19th century. They are also known for their famous monasteries, vibrant churches and beautiful artifacts.