Ancient World /
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptian: Kemet

Historical periods Old Kingdom 2686-2181 BCE First Intermediate Period 2181-2055 BCE Middle Kingdom 2055-1650 BCE Second Intermediate Period 1650-1550 BCE New Kingdom 1550-1069 BCE Third Intermediate Period 1069-664 BCE Late Period 664-332 BCE Ptolemaic Period (323) 305-30 BCE This article 1. Introduction 2. People 3. Life styles 4. Culture 5. Education and Science 6. Society 7. Economy 8. Government 9. Cities and Villages 10. Language 11. Religion 12. Kings / periods 13. History 14. Map

Succession of kingdoms located in the northern part of the Nile, within the boundaries of modern Egypt, lasting from about 3100 BCE until 30 BCE. While the kingdoms at times were ruled by kings of foreign origin, the culture and religion of Ancient Egypt represented mainly continuations and developments from the same beginnings.
The name used by the Egyptians themselves was Kemet, "Dark Land," referring to the dark and fertile soil along the Nile river.
As with modern Egypt, the Nile was the single source of water for Ancient Egypt, allowing abundant harvests 3 times a year. This provided for the necessary surplus for the development of trade, the establishment of urban centres, the emergence of powerful political leadership, of inventions and the production of crafts as well as advanced religious activities.
The natural framework of Ancient Egypt was quite similar to modern Egypt. People lived along the fertile river beds, but barrenness populated the deserts extending between the watered greenness. One difference between ancient and modern times is, however, major; the annual floodings, starting in July and lasting until September are no more. Today the level of water in the Nile is controlled by the Aswan High Dam.
The ancient floods represented both a challenge and a blessing. Houses, valuables and food had to be safely stored from the rising water. At the same time, the silt of the flood fertilized the fields, providing for rich crops and the wealth of the country.
As was true then, some people even lived in the desert, principally along the crescent of the Western oases (like Dakhla and Kharga) and Siwa.