Ancient Egypt — A look at the history

1. The Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100–2686 BCE)

The Ancient Egyptian Early Dynastic period is generally considered to have begun in 3100 BCE with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by king Narmer and to have ended in 2686 BCE with the death of Pepi II. This period is characterized by a strong central government, the building of monumental architecture, the development of art and religion, and the growth of trade.

2. The Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE)

The Old Kingdom is the name given to the period in Egypt’s history when the country was ruled by the Third to the Sixth Dynasties (c. 2686–2181 BCE). This period is generally considered the height of the Egyptian civilization with great advances made in art, architecture, religion, and technology. The Old Kingdom came to an end with the Sixth Dynasty owing to a number of factors including government corruption, natural disasters, and invasions.

3. The First Intermediate Period (c. 2181–2055 BCE)

The First Intermediate period is the name given to the period in Egypt’s history between the end of the Old Kingdom and the beginning of the Middle Kingdom. This period is characterized by political and social instability as well as economic decline. The First Intermediate period came to an end with the reunification of Egypt by the Theban king Mentuhotep II (c. 2055–2004 BCE) who founded the 11th Dynasty.

4. The Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE)

The Middle Kingdom is the name given to the period in Egypt’s history between the end of the First Intermediate period and the beginning of the Second Intermediate Period. This period is considered Egypt’s Golden Age with great advances made in art, literature, architecture, and technology. The Middle Kingdom came to an end with the invasion of Egypt by the Hyksos c. 1650 BCE.

5. The Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650–1550 BCE)

The Second Intermediate period is the name given to the period in Egypt’s history between the end of the Middle Kingdom and the beginning of the New Kingdom. This period is characterized by the rule of the Hyksos in Egypt as well as by political and social instability. The Second Intermediate period came to an end with the expulsion of the Hyksos by Ahmose I (c. 1550–1525 BCE) and the founding of the 18th Dynasty.

6. The New Kingdom (c. 1550–1069 BCE)

The New Kingdom is the name given to the period in Egypt’s history between the end of the Second Intermediate period and the beginning of the Third Intermediate Period. This period is considered Egypt’s Imperial Age with great advances made in art, literature, architecture, and technology.