Overview and Timeline

Kings and Dynasties

(a brief overview)

In the Archaic Period there were two great dynasties, including that of Menes who united the Upper and Lower Kingdoms of Egypt, which led to the many confusing meldings of the gods, goddesses, and myths of Egyptian creation. The pharaohs came to be seen as gods on Earth, imbued with power and wisdom that had no earthly source.

The Old Kingdom brought the pyramids. Dynasties III - VI rose and fell in power, but the period lives on forever in the wonders they left behind.

The New Kingdom brought many changes. From Amenhotep and his religious upheaval to the defeat of Egypt by the Nubians. While Egypt regained its independence for a time, the outside world took note of the beautiful country and its riches. Alexander the Great became Pharaoh in 352 BC - the first in a line of foreign rulers which included Cleopatra (who was of Greek origin). She was the last ruler of Egypt before it fell under Roman control.

Egypt was far in advance of many societies of its time. Architecture, medicine, and writing are only a few of the many advancements with origins in the Nile valley.

	c. 5500 BC - people started to settle on the banks of the Nile.

	In this period, two separate kingdoms emerged - Upper Egypt in the South and Lower Egypt in the North.

	c. 3300-3100 BC - Hieroglyphic writing develops.
	c. 3100 BC - Upper and Lower Egypt united by King Menes

	c. 3000 - 2000 BC- Independent city states flourish in Sumer, Akkad and Canaan.

	c. 2900 - 2400 BC- Early dynasties develop in Sumer.
	c. 2900 - 2400 BC- Early dynasties develop in Sumer.

	c. 2590 BC - The great pyramid of Giza is built.
	c. 2150 - 2040 BC - First Intermediate Era in Egypt.
	c. 2040 - 1640 BC - Middle Kingdom ensues. Dynasty III of Ur rules over Sumer and Akkad.

	c. 1640 - 1553 BC - Second Intermediate Period.
	c. 14 90 -1468 BC - reign of Hatshepsut , woman Pharoah of Egypt.
	c. 1364 - 1347 BC - Reign of Akhenaton (Amenhotep) who led a religious revolution in Egypt.
	c. 1347 - 1337 BC - Reign of Tutankhamen

	c. 728 BC - Egypt is conquered by Nubia c. 664 - 525 BC - Egyptian independence is restored.