In late 2010, a stall owner in Tunisia set himself on fire using petrol and a lighter. His idea was later copied by seven Egyptian men, some of whom died and some of whom did not.
On January 28, 2011, the people of Cairo attempted to cross Kasr El Aini bridge in central Cairo. They were attempting to take over Tahrir Square, which was a symbol of the power of the Egyptian regime.
The people were a disorganized mass, singing, chanting, and throwing rocks. On the other side of the bridge were to police, who were arranged into a solid block made of equal parts metal and person. There were large trucks among the police, and men stuck out the tops of them holding rifles.
The people went forward and were met by tear gas, rubber bullets, water hoses, and live ammunition.
The bridge has two lions on either side.
