Egyptian Civilization

Egypt is united

31,000 BCE

Narmer is among the first Egyptian kings to conquer and rule over both Upper and Lower Egypt.

Settling in the Nile valley

11,000 BCE

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)

Natural mummies

3400 BCE

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.

the invention of writing

3250 BCE

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)

Artificial mummification

2700 BCE

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.

The Great Pyramid

2600 BCE

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.

Journey to the underworld

2100 BCE

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.

Provisions for the dead

2055 BCE

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.