Unit 1 Ancient Civilizations

Early Dynastic Period

3150 BCE

The Early Dynastic Period came after Lower and Upper Egypt united. During this time, the capital moved from Thinis to Memphis. Pharaohs were established as royal governors. The earliest hieroglyphs were discovered during this time period. The Early Dynastic Period ended with the reign of Qa'a.

Uniting of Ancient Egypt

3150 BCE

Ancient Egypt was unified around 3100 BCE by King Menes. Egypt was split into lower and upper Egypt and King Menes is credited for uniting them. This was the beginning of the early dynastic period and led to the first royal dynasty. King Menes built the capital for Egypt called Memphis. He also enhanced economic condition by trading with more people.

Pyramid of Djoser

2700 BCE

The Pyramid of Djoser was built in the 27th century BCE. It was thought to be built by Imhotep who was an Egyptian chancellor. The pyramid took around 20 years to build and it was the first pyramid built in ancient Egypt. This is the oldest pyramid in the world today and it is in what today is Saqqarah, Egypt.

Great Pyramid of Giza

2560 BCE

The Great Pyramid of Giza was built in 2560 BCE by Pharaoh Khufu. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. The pyramid is the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It might have taken over 20 years to build as it is 481 feet tall and 592,000 square feet. The pyramid was built by around 10,000 laborers.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

2500 BCE

The Sphinx took around 3 years to build in 2500 BCE. It is made out of pieces of limestone and it was painted. It is located in Giza, Egypt and it is one of the world's largest structures today. It measures at 240 feet long and 66 feet tall.

The First Intermediate Period

2181 BCE

This was described as the "dark period" and it lasted for around 125 years. It was the separation of the Old Kingdom from the Middle Kingdom. The Old Kingdom fell because of it's problems with succession and because of a widespread famine.

The Middle Kingdom

2040 BCE

The Middle Kingdom was one of the three golden ages in ancient Egypt. Mentuhotep II is known as the founder of the Middle Kingdom. He restored Egyptian leadership over the Sinai region during this time. After the leader Merneferre Ai died and left no successor, it began Egypt's decline into the Second Intermediate Period.

The Second Intermediate Period of Egypt

1700 BCE

This was the time ancient Egypt divided into smaller dynasties for the second time. It was from 1700 BCE to around 1550 BCE. During this time, the middle kingdom collapsed after Queen Sobekneferu died and left no heir. Hyksos ruled northern Egypt, Thebes ruled central Egypt, and Nubians ruled southern Egypt.

The New Kingdom

1570 BCE

The New Kingdom was one of the most successful periods. During this time, Egypt conquered Palestine, Phoenicia, and Syria and it became a Mediterranean empire. The downfall of the New Kingdom was when Ramesses III died and his heirs spent years arguing and the power of the Pharaohs declined until it ultimately fell into the Third Intermediate Period.

Battle of Kadesh

1274 BCE

The battle of Kadesh took place in around May of 1274 BCE. It happened in present-day Syria and it was between the Egyptians and the HIttites. The Egyptians were led into an ambush by 2,500 HIttite chariots because of HIttite spies. There was no winner of the war but it led to the world's first recorded peace treaty. The peace treaty ended the long war to gain rule over the lands of the eastern Mediterranean.

The Third Intermediate Period

1077 BCE

This period was ruled by non-native Egyptians and there was lots of political instability. Psamtik I eventually brought increased stability to ancient Egypt. The end of the Third Intermediate Period lead to the Late Period of Ancient Egypt

Assyrian Conquest of Egypt

673 BCE

Esarhaddon, who was the king of Assyria at the time, decided to raid Egypt in 673 BCE. According to some scholars today, it was one of Assyria's worst losses. Esarhaddon decided to abandon his plan to conquer Egypt but two years later he decided to invade Egypt once again. This time he had a much bigger army and saw where he went wrong with the invasion last time to fix his mistakes. Esarhaddon successfully invaded Egypt and stole many of their goods and many royal family members.

Persia Conquers Egypt

525 BCE

The Egyptians were defeated at Pelusium.The Persians ruled ancient Egypt for around 150 years. There is not a lot known about how Persia ruled Egypt but their rule ended when the king died and there was no Persian successor.

Roman Egypt

30 BCE

Roman Egypt lasted from 30 BCE to 641 AD. Egypt served the Roman Empire by providing grain. It was the richest province besides Italy. Egypt finally stopped being part of the Roman Empire when it got taken over by the Rashidun Caliphate.

Cleopatra VII

30 BCE

Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt after her father Ptolemy XII Auletes. Cleopatra is most known for her relationships with Julius Ceaser and Mark Antony. Cleopatra and Julius Ceaser fell in love after a few years of knowing each other and their relationship continued until Julius died. Cleopatra and Julius Ceaser had a son together. Cleopatra committed suicide in August of 31 BCE. Her death marked the end of the Hellenistic era and Egypt became part of the Roman Empire.