Periods of Ancient Egypt

Narmer unified Ancient Egypt
Narmer established a capital at Memphis
The power and wealth of kings increased
Narmer Palette shows Narmer unifying Egypt

Age of Pyramids
Great Pyramid of Giza made Pharaoh Khufu in 2506 BC
Pyramid of Khafre by Khufu's son, Khafre
Menkaure's Pyramid- Menkaure died before it was completed
Djoser's Step Pyramid- first pyramid built in Egypt, originally a large mastaba, Built during Djoser's reign during the third period, built by Imhotep
Bent Pyramid- first true period, Snefru's first pyramid at Dahshur
The Red Pyramid- Built by Snefru at Dahshur and built with red limestone core

Known as Dark Period
Constant wars
Temples were pillaged
Statues of kings were broken
Cannibalism & Famine

Period of Unification
Classical Age, with Egypt's greatest works of art and literature
12th dynasty had most improvements of art and architecture
During the 13th dynasty they allowed the Hyksos immigrants to gain power in lower Egypt
11th dynasty was most stable

Hyksos took over
Still let the pharaoh have some power
Hyksos were relatively peaceful
Kept traditions

Battle of Kadesh- led by Ramesses II in order to recover territories
Thutmose III expanded Egypt's army and wielded it with great success to consolidate the empire created by his predecessors
Amarna Period- changed monotheism to polytheism
King Tut was born

Invaded and conquered by: Hyksos, Libyans, Nubians, Assyrians, Achaemenid Persians, and the Macedonians
Intense punishments for both minor and serious crimes

Rise of Persian and Greek influence
All kings either built or rebuilt temples
27th dynasty was the first Persian Period
Alexander the Great founded the city of Alexandria
Egyptians liked Alexander b/c they thought they could free them from the Persians; thought he was the right and fair ruler

Began with Alexander the Great invading Egypt
Ptolemies were Greek
Wanted to control trade routes in Syria to enlarge economy
Cleopatra VII was the last pharaoh of Egypt who faced Rome's advance into Egypt