Ca. 3150-2686 (Early Dynastic Period)2686-2181 BCE (Old Kingdom)2181-2055 BCE (First Intermediate Period)2055-1650 BCE (Middle Kingdom1650-1550 BCE (Second Intermediate Period)1550-1069 BCE (New Kingdom)1069-664 BCE (Third Intermediate Period)664-332 BCE (Late Period)664-332 BCE (Late Period)664-332 BCE (Late Period)664-332 BCE (Late Period)664-332 BCE (Late Period)(323) 305-30 BCE (Ptolemaic Dynasty)(323) 305-30 BCE (Ptolemaic Dynasty)


Ancient World /
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptian: Kemet


Bubastis Memphis Thebes Heliopolis Giza Siwa Philae Abydos Dendera Tell el-Amarna Open full map of Imperial Ancient Egypt

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

Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt


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.