The Chronology of Egypt

Period Approximate
Dates BCE
Dynasty Important Pharaohs Culture and Society
Archaic 3100-2686 1-2 Menes, Narmer Development of calendar and writing, first known treatise on surgery, building in stone
Old Kingdom 2686-2181 3-6 Djoser, Sneferu, Cheops, Chephren, Pepy I and II Pyramids built, Rise in importance of Heliopolis and Re, Pyramid texts
1st Intermediate 2181-1991 7-11 Achthoes, Mentuhotep Political turmoil, pyramids ransacked; tombs and statues destroyed
Middle Kingdom 1991-1786 12 Amennemnes I-III, Sesotris I-III Restoration of order; cultural splendor, Amon gains prominence.
2nd Intermediate 1786-1567 13-17 Apophis, Kamose Hyksos kings seize power. Introduction of chariots, decline of artistic standards & ideas
New Kingdom 1567-1085 18-20 Tuthmosis I-IV, Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutahkhamun, Horemheb, Ramses I-III Removal of Hyksos, Egyptian empire; failure of Akhenaten; "Book of the Dead" written
Late 1085-525 21-26 Psammetichus I and II, Amasis Libyan, Nubian and Assyrian kings, invasion of Palestine; imitation of past arts.
1st Persian 525-404 27 Darius I, Xerxes, Artaxerxes Persia conquers Egypt; canal from Nile to Red Sea built; codification of Egyptian law
Late 404-343 28-30 Amyrteos, Nectanebo I and II Persians expelled with Greek aid, monuments erected by Pharaoh Achoris
2nd Persian 343-332 31 Artaxerxes III, Arses, Darius III Egypt re-conquered by Persia, last reflowering of native Egyptian art.
CONQUEST BY ALEXANDER THE GREAT, 332 BCE
Ptolemaic 332-30 Ptolemies Ptolemy I, Soter I, Cleopatra After his death, Alexander the Great's general founds dynasty; numerous temples built.
CONQUEST BY ROMANS. EGYPT BECAME A PROVINCE IN 30 BCE

Digg This! Save to del.icio.us Del.icio.us StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble Upon