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Period: 3200 BCE to 185 BCE
Thebes
Thebes first became the capital of Egypt around 2135 BC. It served off and on as capital until around 1279 BC. Thebes and Memphis generally rivalled each other as the largest and greatest cities in Egypt. Thebes was an important political and religious city. It housed several major temples including the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak. The Valley of the Kings is located near the city of Thebes. -
Period: 3100 BCE to 332 BCE
Memphis
Memphis was the ancient capital of Egypt from 2950 BC to 2180 BC. It was the first Nome of Lower Egypt and was the largest city in the world. Memphis was also a centre of religion and had many temples. Its ruins are located near the town of Mit Rahina, 20 km south of Giza. According to legend related by Manetho, the city was founded by the pharaoh Menes. -
Period: 3100 BCE to
Heliopolis
Heliopolis was a major city in Ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptian name of the city represents the 'sun city' or 'pillar city'. It was the capital of the 13th or Heliopolitan Nome of Lower Egypt and a major religious centre. It is now located in Ayn Shams, a north-eastern suburb of Cairo. -
2560 BCE
The Great Pyramid
The oldest and largest of the three pyramids at Giza, known as the Great Pyramid, is the only surviving structure out of the famed seven wonders of the ancient world. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for the Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh Khufu (or Cheops), and was completed around 2560 BCE. It is part of a complex of 3 large pyramids in the Giza Necropolis located in modern Cairo, Egypt. -
Period: 1478 BCE to 1458 BCE
Regin of Hatshepsut
Around the age of twelve, Hatshepsut became queen of Egypt upon marrying her half-brother. Less than seven years into her regency, she assumed the title and full powers of pharaoh. She still ruled jointly with her half-brother, but it was clear that she had more power and control. Hatshepsut is generally regarded by scholars as one of the most successful pharaohs in Egyptian history. She expanded trade and undertook ambitious building projects. -
Period: 1353 BCE to 1336
Regin of Neferneferuaten Nefertiti
Neferneferuaten and Akhenaten ruled Egypt together from 1353-1336 B.C and are best known for starting a monotheistic religious revolution. Under their rule Ancient Egypt enjoyed wealth and prosperity, possibly the most it had ever seen. It is believed that she ruled Egypt briefly as pharaoh under the name Neferneferuaten after the death of her husband and before the ascension of Tutankhamun. -
1350 BCE
The Colossi of Memnon
Built around 1350 BC, The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III in a seated position. The original function of the Colossi was to stand guard at the entrance to the Amenhotep’s mortuary temple where he was worshipped both before and after his departure from this world. Today the temple has almost completely disappeared except for the two statues. Both statues are quite damaged though, with the features above the waist virtually unrecognizable. -
Period: 1300 BCE to 1200 BCE
Malkata
The palace was built in the 14th century BC and its ancient name was Per-Hay, "House of Rejoicing". Originally, the palace was known as the Palace of the Dazzling Aten. Built mostly out of mud-brick, it was Amenhotep's residence throughout most the later part of his reign. Today the ruins of Malkata stretch across the desert close to Thebes, still marking the pinnacle of Amenhotep’s 3000-year-old empire. -
Period: 51 BCE to 12 BCE
Reign of Cleopatra VII Philopator
Cleopatra initially she ruled Egypt jointly with her father and then later with her brothers. Although she was married to her brother at the age of 18 by their father's will, Cleopatra made it clear that she would not share power with him. C. 48 B.C., Cleopatra fell from power and fled to Syria. While in exile, she assembled a mercenary army and rebelled. She allies herself with Julius Caesar, with Caesar's help, she reclaims her throne alongside her brother.