How Long Ago Were Ancient Egyptian Times?

The ancient civilization of Egypt is one of the oldest and most fascinating cultures in the world. The ancient Egyptian times are often shrouded in mystery and intrigue, which makes it all the more interesting to learn about. In this article, we will explore how long ago were ancient Egyptian times and gain a better understanding of this remarkable period in history.

When Did Ancient Egyptian Times Begin?

The ancient Egyptian civilization dates back to around 3150 BC when King Menes united Upper and Lower Egypt into a single kingdom. This marks the beginning of what is known as the Early Dynastic Period, which lasted until around 2686 BC.

The Old Kingdom

The Old Kingdom of Egypt followed the Early Dynastic Period and lasted from around 2686 BC to 2181 BC. This was a time of great prosperity and stability for Egypt. The pharaohs during this era built monumental structures like pyramids and temples that still stand today as a testament to their power and wealth.

The Middle Kingdom

The Middle Kingdom followed the Old Kingdom and lasted from around 2055 BC to 1650 BC. This was a time of expansion for Egypt as they conquered new territories in Nubia (modern-day Sudan) and established trade relations with other civilizations in the Mediterranean.

The New Kingdom

The New Kingdom followed the Middle Kingdom and lasted from around 1550 BC to 1077 BC. This was another period of great prosperity for Egypt, marked by powerful pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Amenhotep III, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramesses II.

  • Hatshepsut was one of the few female pharaohs who ruled over Egypt during its golden age.
  • Thutmose III is considered one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs and was known for his military conquests.
  • Amenhotep III oversaw a period of great artistic and architectural achievement, including the construction of the Colossi of Memnon.
  • Akhenaten is known for his religious revolution, which introduced the worship of a single god, Aten.
  • Tutankhamun is famous for his tomb, which was discovered almost intact in 1922 by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon.
  • Ramesses II was one of the longest-reigning pharaohs in Egyptian history and is known for his grand building projects, including Abu Simbel and the Ramesseum.

The Late Period

The Late Period followed the New Kingdom and lasted from around 664 BC to 332 BC. This period saw a decline in Egypt’s power and influence as it became increasingly subject to foreign domination. The Persians, Greeks, and Romans all ruled over Egypt during this time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ancient Egyptian times began around 3150 BC with King Menes’ unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. This remarkable civilization lasted for thousands of years, with each period marked by its unique characteristics, achievements, and challenges. From the grand pyramids of Giza to the religious revolution of Akhenaten, ancient Egypt continues to captivate our imagination today.