1. Comprising 60% of the Egyptian population, the fellahin lead humble lives and continue to live in mud-brick houses like their ancient ancestors.

2. Recruits to the cause were extracted from the so-called Corvee (the conscripted labour force), which was made up by the fellahin (the peasantry), and though serving in the Corvee was an unappealing activity, conscription into the army was even worse.