Egypt Address Locator Map
Map of Egypt > Egypt Locator Map • Egypt Travel Tips • Egypt Relief Map • Cairo Map
The History of Egypt
Egypt's ancient history is divided primarily into three kingdoms: the Old Kingdom, lasting from about 2200 BC to 2100 BC; the Middle Kingdom, from 2055 BC to 1700 BC; and the New Kingdom, from 1550 BC to 1100 BC. After each of these major epochs were periods of instability known as the Intermediate Eras. It is believed that there were a total of 31 dynasties, or ruling families, during this time.
The art of hieroglyphic writing was developed during the Old Kingdom, as
was the Egyptian Calendar. The first Pyramids were also built
during this period. The Middle Kingdom saw increased immigration,
as "sojourners" or "foreigners" settled along the Nile River. Most
of the great Egyptian monuments actually date from the New Kingdom.
Many of the most well-known Pharoahs, including King Tut and Ramses II,
ruled during this period. The famous recording of the Exodus of the
Hebrews occurred during the New Kingdom, as well.
The Intermediate Eras were marked by transition and unrest. The
First Intermediate Era saw the kingdom torn in two by disputes between
northern and southern Egypt. Foreigners ruled the nation during the
Second Intermediate Era. During the Third Intermediate Era, Egypt
was invaded by the Nubians and the Assyrians. Because these two
nations had adopted much of Egypt's culture, these foreign dynasties are
traditionally included in the kingdom eras.
The Late Period, from 720 BC to 332 BC, marked the end of the age of the
Pharaohs, as a procession of foreign rulers invaded and presided over
Egypt for the next 2400 years. In 305 BC, Alexander the Great
ushered in the Ptolemaic Period, founding Alexandria. Then, in 30
AD, Egypt once again changed hands at the Battle of Actium, when
Cleopatra and Mark Antony lost the nation to Octavian. Egypt became
a province of the Roman Empire until its collapse in 395 AD. Three
Byzantine Empires followed Rome in ruling Egypt. In 313 AD,
Constantine famously converted to Christianity and granted tolerance to
Christians, which allowed for the formation of the Egyptian Coptic
Church. The Modern Era started in 642 AD and continues to the
present day, where Egypt is once again independent.
For more information about Egypt's history, check out these resources:
- the BBC Ancient History of the Egyptians pages
- the Wikipedia History of Egypt page