History of Egypt

Egypt, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, was unified around 3150 BC by King Narmer. It later came under Persian, Greek, Roman, and Islamic rule before joining the Ottoman Empire in 1517. Controlled by Britain in the late 19th century, it became a republic in 1953. After several political transitions, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi currently leads the country.

wikipedia/en/History%20of%20Egypt

Predynastic Period (ca. 4300-3000 B.C.E.)

• Includes the Naqada I, II, and III periods.

Early Dynastic Period (c. 3150–2686 BC)

• Upper and Lower Egypt were unified around 3150 BC, traditionally by King Narmer (Menes).
• The capital was first at Thinis, then Memphis.
• This period saw the development of Egyptian civilization, including writing and art, and the building of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara during the Third Dynasty.

Old Kingdom (c. 2675 - 2130 B.C.E)

• Known for its strong central government, prosperity, and the construction of the Great Pyramids of Giza during the Fourth Dynasty.
• The capital was Memphis.

First Intermediate Period (c. 2130 - 1980 B.C.E.)

• This period saw a breakdown of centralized authority, the rise of regional rulers, and the growing importance of Thebes.

Middle Kingdom (c. 1980 - 1630 B.C.E.)

• Egypt was reunified under Mentuhotep II.
• This era was characterized by prosperity, cultural flourishing, and architectural advancements, with notable rulers like Amenemhat I and Senusret III.

Second Intermediate Period (c. 1630 - 1539/1523 B.C.E)

• The Hyksos ruled in the north, leading to a coexistence of Hyksos and Egyptian dynasties.
• The horse and chariot were introduced during this time.

New Kingdom (c. 1539 - 1075 B.C.E.)

• The Hyksos were expelled by Ahmose I.
• This was a period of territorial expansion and the peak of Egyptian power, reaching into Nubia and the Near East.
• Famous pharaohs from this era include Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramesses II (“The Great”).

Third Intermediate Period (c. 1075 - 656 B.C.E.)

• Marked by a loss of centralized power and political fragmentation.

Late Period (c. 664 - 332 B.C.E.)

• This period included the last time of native Egyptian rule (Saite Period) and two periods of Persian rule.

Macedonian Period (c. 332 - 305 B.C.E.)

• Began with the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great.

Ptolemaic Dynasty (c. 305 - 30 B.C.E.)

• Founded by Ptolemy I Soter, this was a period of Hellenistic rule.
• Cleopatra VII was the last ruler of this dynasty.

Roman and Byzantine Empire (ca. 30 B.C.E. - 642 C.E.)

• Egypt became a Roman province, serving as a major grain producer and seeing the growth of Christianity.
• The Sasanian Empire conquered Egypt briefly before it returned to Byzantine control.

Islamic Conquest (641-646 C.E.)

• Egypt was conquered by the Arabs and became part of the Rashidun Caliphate.

Modern Egypt

• The Muhammad Ali Dynasty ruled from 1805 to 1953, attempting independence from the Ottoman Empire.
• Despite nominal independence in 1922, Britain occupied Egypt until 1922.
• The Kingdom of Egypt existed from 1922 to 1953.
• The Republic of Egypt was established in 1953 after the 1952 Revolution led by Gamal Abdul Nasser.
• Key events include the nationalization of the Suez Canal in 1956.
• Recent history includes rulers like Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak, the first democratic election in 2012, and recent political instability.