A Brief History of Egypt
The prehistory of Egypt began over 5000 years ago when brick tombs at a place called Abydos were built for the kings. It was at this time that King Narmer united Upper and Lower Egypt. Lower Egypt was the area nearest the Mediterranean sea near present day Alexandria. Upper Egypt went as far as, and sometimes included Nubia.
Before we begin our journey it is interesting to note the Timeline of Egyptian history to 640 AD.
Note that there were over 285 Kings and Pharaohs of Egypt between 2670 BC and the time just before the Greek rulers (Alexander the Great, Ptolemy I through XII and Cleopatra I through XII). Only those who have come to prominence through archaeological research are listed below.
The Old Kingdom 2670 - 2195 BC 475 Years
- The first pyramids were built.
- Memphis becomes the capital.
- The great pyramids of Giza were constructed.
The First Intermediate Period 2195 - 2040 BC 155 Years
- The kingdom is in decline.
- Most of the tombs are robbed.
The Middle Kingdom 2040 - 1781 BC 259 Years
- Mentuhotep II reunites Upper and Lower Egypt for the second time.
The Second Intermediate Period 1650 - 1550 BC 100 Years
- Numerous Asian rulers were in control of the Kingdom.
The New Kingdom 1550 - 1075 BC 475 Years
- Thebes (Luxor) becomes the capital, later Tanis.
- The temples of Karnak, Luxor, Hatshepsut are built.
- The Kings are now known as Pharaohs. They are now buried in the Valley of the Kings instead of in pyramids.
- The great ruler Ramesses II builds Abu Simbel for himself and his wife Nefertari.
- There are 4 Tuthmosis, 4 Amenhotep, 11 Ramesses and 1 Tutankamun Pharaohs during this period.
The Third Intermediate Period 1075 - 650 BC 425 Years
- The Kingdom is again in decline.
The Late Period 664 - 332 BC 332 Years
- Egypt is ruled by various foreign powers.
The Ptolemaic Period 332 - 30 BC (Greek rulers) 302 Years
- Alexander the Great was the first ruler in this period.
- During this time there were 12 Ptolemy's and 7 Cleopatras.
- Cleopatra VII was the one that we all know was the last Egyptian Queen.
- The cult temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae were built.
- A fire destroys the great library at Alexandria.
Roman, Byzantine and Arab/Muslim rule 30BC - 640 AD | 
