-
31,000 BCE
Egypt is united
Narmer is among the first Egyptian kings to conquer and rule over both Upper and Lower Egypt. -
11,000 BCE
Settling in the Nile valley
People begin to settle in the Nile valley. At first they hunt and gather food. Later, they begin to grow crops, keep animals and build homes on the banks of the river Nile.
Paleolithic and Neolithic periods (before 5500 BC) -
3400 BCE
Natural mummies
Early Egyptian burials take the form of a grave dug in the ground with the body placed in a curled-up position, with jars and baskets for food and drink for the afterlife. -
3250 BCE
the invention of writing
Writing using hieroglyphic signs develops. The ancient Egyptians use hieroglyphs for over 3,600 years to record important information.
Predynastic period (about 5500–3100 BC) -
2700 BCE
Artificial mummification
Artificial preservation of bodies, which may have begun in earlier periods, continues to be developed. The Egyptians advance mummification by removing organs and drying the body using natron (natural salt), as well as applying oils and wrappings. -
2600 BCE
The Great Pyramid
Three large stone pyramids are built at Giza (near present-day Cairo). The pyramid built for the king Khafre is guarded by a huge stone sphinx with the body of a lion and the king's head. -
2100 BCE
Journey to the underworld
Coffin texts are first used. These spells help the dead person travel through the underworld to the afterlife. They are written on the coffins of wealthy ancient Egyptians. -
2055 BCE
Provisions for the dead
During the Middle Kingdom, wealthy people have wooden models of people preparing food or sailing on a boat put in their tombs to ensure good meals and safe travel in the afterlife.