The Bataillon des Chasseurs d'Orient was a light infantry battalion of the First French Empire formed in 1802 in Toulon.

At the end of the 18th century, Ottoman Egypt was home to a small community of Egyptian Greeks who numbered from under a thousand to 5000 people.

This defeat significantly complicated French military logistics which were already suffering from frequent Bedouin raids; while simultaneously creating a shortage of manpower.

The outbreak of the Revolt of Cairo, slowed down French recruitment among Muslim Egyptians, focus instead shifted to the region's Christian population.

During the summer of 1800, Copt tax collector General Yaqub organized the 750 man strong Légion Cophte (Coptic Legion).

The Coptic Legion policed the Christian quarters of Cairo, erected new fortifications in the city and took part in intelligence gathering.

On 8 September, Napoleon Bonaparte approved the raising of the battalion's strength to 1,000 men to be recruited from veterans of the Armée d'Orient originating from the eastern Mediterranean.

[11] In February 1806, France invaded and occupied Dalmatia up to the Neretva River and later annexed the Republic of Ragusa as part of the hostilities of the War of the Third Coalition.

In response, General Gabriel Jean Joseph Molitor hastily assembled a relief force of 1670 men which included the Chasseurs d'Orient who had been transferred to Dalmatia in spring.

The Chasseurs d'Orient who formed the vanguard of the relief force distinguished themselves in the battle, and Molitor awarded four of the battalion's officers with the Legion of Honour.

At the time the unit was commanded by Gabriel Sidarious, due to Papazoglou's departure for the Ottoman Empire in an effort to recover his personal property.

[13] The British Navy intercepted part of the French fleet during the transportation to Corfu capturing 20 members of the battalion.

[15] Due to Corfu's relative isolation, it was the last French garrison in Europe to surrender to the Coalition forces, on 23 June 1814.