Ancient Egypt is famous for its history, architecture, religion . . . the list goes on! Here you’ll find a timeline detailing important periods that shaped this fascinating civilization.
Ancient Egypt Timeline
Here’s an overview of periods of Egyptian history. Some of the dates and dynasties overlap, especially during the Intermediate Periods, because different kings ruled different parts of Egypt at the same time – all holding the title of king.
Predynastic Period
The Badarian period: 4400–4000 BC
Maadian period: 4000–3300 BC
The Amratian period: 4000–3500 BC
The Gerzean period: 3500–3200 BC
The Negada III period: 3200–3050 BC
Early Dynastic Period
Dynasty 0: 3150–3050 BC
Dynasty 1: 3050–2890 BC
Dynasty 2: 2890 –2686 BC
Old Kingdom
Dynasty 3: 2686–2613 BC
Dynasty 4: 2613–2500 BC
Dynasty 5: 2498–2345 BC
Dynasty 6: 2345–2333 BC
First Intermediate Period
Dynasty 7 and 8: 2180–2160 BC
Dynasty 9 and 10: 2160–2040 BC
Middle Kingdom
Dynasty 11: 2134–1991 BC
Dynasty 12: 1991–1782 BC
Second Intermediate Period
Dynasty 13: 1782 –1650 BC
Dynasty 14: Dates unknown. This dynasty is characterised by a few chieftains ruling one town, calling themselves kings.
Dynasty 15: 1663–1555 BC
Dynasty 16: 1663–1555 BC
Dynasty 17: 1663–1570 BC
New Kingdom
Dynasty 18: 1570–1293 BC
Dynasty 19: 1293–1185 BC
Dynasty 20: 1185–1070 BC
Third Intermediate Period
High Priests (Thebes): 1080–945 BC
Dynasty 21 (Tanis): 1069–945 BC
Dynasty 22 (Tanis): 945–715 BC
Dynasty 23 (Leontopolis): 818–715 BC
Dynasty 24 (Sais): 727–715 BC
Dynasty 25 (Nubians): 747–656 BC
Dynasty 26 (Sais): 664–525 BC
Late Period
Dynasty 27 (Persian): 525–404 BC
Dynasty 28: 404–399 BC
Dynasty 29: 399–380 BC
Dynasty 30: 380–343 BC
Dynasty 31: 343–332 BC
Graeco-Roman Period
Macedonian Kings: 332–305 BC
Ptolemaic Period: 305–30 BC
