Ancient Egyptian Timeline

By Ngoicoa
  • 4000 BCE

    Hieroglyphs

    Hieroglyphics were a picture writing system in ancient Egypt, consisting of over 300 characters/images which each meant something new and different when put into different combinations with each other. It emerged early in Egyptian life and evolved over time, being used through to 6th and 5th centuries BCE
  • 3150 BCE

    The Unification of Upper and Lower Egypt

    King Narmer conquers the 'Papyrus people' in Northen Egypt by means of force. He now wears the crown of both halves, has unified Egypt and governs his kingdom as the first pharaoh of the First Dynasty in Egypt, ruling over both the north and south.
  • 3100 BCE

    Narmer's Death

    Narmer/Menes, the first king of Egypt, dies after 50 years of reigning the kingdom.
  • 2925 BCE

    Abydos

    Abydos, a prominent and superior city in the Old Kingdom is used as a cemetery for people during the first and second dynastic periods in ancient Egyptian history. Established early as a central point of life.
  • Period: 2868 BCE to 2125 BCE

    The Old Kingdom

    The Old Kingdom of Egypt, which started when King Narmer unified Lower and Upper Egypt into one Kingdom.
  • Period: 2691 BCE to 2625 BCE

    First Pharaoh (Djoser's rule)

    This occurred in the third dynasty; the first family of kings in the Old Kingdom of Egypt. He ordered the construction of the step pyramid at the Memphis necropolis.
  • 2670 BCE

    Sinai Peninsula Battle

    Djoser, the first pharaoh of Egypt in the Third Dynasty dispatched military forces to the Sinai Peninsula to expand his empire and conquer other lands. The inhabitants of the area were defeated.
  • 2650 BCE

    Memphis reaches preeminence

    Memphis, being founded by Narmer in the Early Dynastic period, came to power and was superior to all other states in Egypt. The city is known for its necropolises and the great tombs and pyramids surrounding it. It came to power in the third dynasty.
  • Period: 2613 BCE to 2494 BCE

    Fourth Dynasty

    The Dynastic family rule that began with Snefuru (2613–2589 BC) and in this time many pyramids were built, including The Great Pyramid by Snefuru's son, Khufu.
  • 2560 BCE

    The construction of the Pyramid at Giza.

    Often titled 'Khufu's Pyramid' and the one in which the pharaoh is buried, was constructed in the Fourth Dynasty, with the construction being started by Khufu's father and then succeeded by Khufu himself. It took 10-20 years to complete.
  • Period: 2494 BCE to 2345 BCE

    Fifth Dynasty

    This dynasty was first ruled by pharaoh Userkaf who sa more importance in building temples to the gods, especially the sun god Ra. At this time in Egypt the cult of Ra was growing among the people as well.
  • Period: 2345 BCE to 2181 BCE

    Sixth Dynast

    In this dynasty the power of the pharaoh weakened and was lost by the people in favour of regional governors (nomarchs) to rule them.
  • 2300 BCE

    Foreign Policy

    This was ennacted around the time of the 6th dynasty. Due to the threats that their country faced from surrounding groups of people (especially the Hyksos), they went throughout their land, spreading the empire and allowing for trade, conquering places like Nubia.
  • Period: 2160 BCE to 2055 BCE

    First Intermediate Period

    With the decline of the Old Kingdom and its decline into chaos, the first intermediate period was brought about by nomarchs who took control over Egypt.
  • Period: 2134 BCE to 1991 BCE

    Eleventh Dynasty

    Consisting of 16 kings and spanning over many years, the eleventh dynasty began with Intef the Elder, who began the revolution of Thebes against the authority in the land.
  • 2125 BCE

    Civil War of Thebes

    A nomarch (Intef) in Thebes defied the central powers of the people in the capital (Herakleopolis) and set up a rebellion in THebes, making it a threat. A civil war broke out in which Thebes was victorious.
  • 2125 BCE

    Propaganda

    As the Middle Kingdom was a time of poetry and art, propaganda was also used. During the rebeliion and when the power of egypt was in question, visual propaganda was used to display the might of the leaders in Herakleopolis to convince people to side with them, making magnificent and large statues to display how much power they had.
  • 2040 BCE

    Thebes coming to power

    At the end of the Old Kingdom, the central power of the pharaohs was destroyed and split among the nomarchs of Egypt. After a while, Herakleopolis was the capital, but then moved to Thebes.
  • Period: 2040 BCE to 1640 BCE

    The Middle Kingdom

    After the Early Dynastic Period and ends at the First Intermediate Period.
  • Period: 1991 BCE to 1802 BCE

    Twelfth Dynasty

    This dynasty was begun by a vizer of the previous dynasty and had the first pharaoh of the dynasty be Amenemhat I.
  • Period: 1803 BCE to

    Thirteenth Dynasty

    Lasting for around 154 years, this dynasty's first pharaoh was Sekhemre Khutawy Sobekhotep I. This dynasty is known as the one that had the most chaos and disorder, but could also be one of peace and prosperity in Ancient Egypt.
  • Period: 1725 BCE to 1650 BCE

    Fourteenth Dynasty

    This dynasty coexisted with the previous one and had the most rulers. This dynasty was also the one that expanded, allowing for trade in Ancient Egypt.
  • 1650 BCE

    Hyksos Invasion

    The Hyksos (Persians) invaded Egypt and took over lower Egypt around the Delta, taking control from Avaris. However, after unsuccessfully trying to make an alliance with a neighbouring country, the Theban people rebelled and took back their land.
  • Period: 1650 BCE to 1550 BCE

    Second Intermediate Period

    The Second Intermediate Period faced the decline of the Middle Kingdom and once again saved the survival of Egypt and its culture.
  • 1539 BCE

    Valley of the Kings

    The Valley of the Kings was a burial land that many people buried thier dead rulers. These tombs and burial chambers were often hidden underground in secret. People started being buried there in 1539