Egyptian History Overview

Egypt, often called the gift of the Nile, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. From the ancient pyramids to the pharaohs, the civilization has left an indelible mark on human history. This section will give you an overview of some of the key periods and milestones in Egyptian history.

Ancient Egypt

  • Predynastic Period: This era, which spans from about 6000 BCE to 2686 BCE, saw the rise of early settlements along the Nile River.
  • Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE): Known for the construction of the first pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
  • Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BCE): A period of cultural and artistic renaissance, as well as a strengthening of central authority.
  • New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE): Famous for the building of magnificent temples such as Karnak and Luxor, and the reign of powerful pharaohs like Ramses II and Cleopatra.

Middle and Late Periods

  • Second Intermediate Period (1650–1550 BCE): A time of political fragmentation and foreign invasion.
  • Third Intermediate Period (1070–664 BCE): A continuation of the political fragmentation that saw Egypt ruled by foreign powers like the Nubians and Assyrians.
  • Late Period (664–332 BCE): Egypt was under Persian, Greek, and eventually Roman rule until Alexander the Great conquered the region.

Modern and Contemporary Egypt

  • Islamic Period (640–1805): After the Arab conquest, Egypt became a province of the Islamic empire and later an independent Ottoman province.
  • French Occupation (1798–1801): The Napoleonic Wars brought a brief French occupation to Egypt.
  • 19th and 20th Centuries: A period of significant social, economic, and political change, including the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, the end of Ottoman rule, and the modern nation-state.

Great_Pyramid_of_Giza

Resources

For a deeper dive into Egyptian history, we recommend checking out our comprehensive Ancient Egypt section.