The Egyptian Campaign (1798–1801) was Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in "The Orient" to protect French trade interests and undermine Britain's access to India. It was the main aim of the Mediterranean campaign of 1798, a series of naval engagements that included the capture of Malta. Despite many victories and an initially successful expedition into Syria, Napoleon and his Armée d'Orient were eventually forced to withdraw, after mounting conflict in Europe and the defeat of the French Fleet at the Battle of the Nile.