Egypt History > Egyptian Dynasties
Ancient Egyptian Dynasties
Ancient Egypt's history is traditionally divided into periods based on the ruling dynasties of pharaohs. These periods include the Early Dynastic Period, Old Kingdom, First Intermediate Period, Middle Kingdom, Second Intermediate Period, New Kingdom, Third Intermediate Period, Late Period, and finally, the Ptolemaic and Roman Periods. Here's an overview of the key dynasties and periods:
Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100–2686 BCE)
- 1st Dynasty: Founded by Narmer (Menes), traditionally considered the unifier of Upper and Lower Egypt.
- 2nd Dynasty: Continued consolidation of power, with further development of state institutions.
Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE)
- 3rd Dynasty: Known for the construction of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara by Pharaoh Djoser.
- 4th Dynasty: Notable for the construction of the Great Pyramids of Giza by Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
- 5th Dynasty: Continued pyramid building, with a focus on solar temples and the cult of Ra.
- 6th Dynasty: Marked by the long reign of Pepi II and the beginning of a decline in centralized power.
First Intermediate Period (c. 2181–2055 BCE)
- 7th and 8th Dynasties: Characterized by political fragmentation and short-lived rulers.
- 9th and 10th Dynasties: Ruled from Herakleopolis, struggled to maintain control over Egypt.
Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE)
- 11th Dynasty: Reunification of Egypt under Mentuhotep II, with Thebes as the capital.
- 12th Dynasty: Known for stability, economic prosperity, and notable rulers such as Senusret III and Amenemhat III.
Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650–1550 BCE)
- 13th Dynasty: Fragmented rule, with numerous kings and a decline in centralized power.
- 14th Dynasty: Ruled parts of the Delta, contemporary with the 13th Dynasty.
- 15th Dynasty (Hyksos): Semitic rulers who controlled northern Egypt, introduced new technologies such as the horse-drawn chariot.
- 16th Dynasty: Local Theban rulers contemporaneous with the Hyksos.
- 17th Dynasty: Theban rulers who eventually expelled the Hyksos and reunified Egypt.
New Kingdom (c. 1550–1077 BCE)
- 18th Dynasty: Known for powerful pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Akhenaten, and Tutankhamun. Expansion of empire and extensive building projects.
- 19th Dynasty: Notable rulers include Seti I and Ramesses II (the Great), marked by military campaigns and monumental constructions like Abu Simbel.
- 20th Dynasty: Decline in power, with notable rulers like Ramesses III, who defended Egypt from invasions by the Sea Peoples.
Third Intermediate Period (c. 1077–664 BCE)
- 21st Dynasty: Ruled from Tanis, characterized by political fragmentation and division of power.
- 22nd Dynasty (Libyan Dynasty): Founded by Shoshenq I, saw the integration of Libyan tribal leaders into Egyptian society.
- 23rd Dynasty: Local rulers contemporaneous with the 22nd Dynasty.
- 24th Dynasty: Short-lived, ruled from Sais in the western Delta.
- 25th Dynasty (Kushite Dynasty): Originating from Nubia, ruled Egypt and promoted a renaissance of traditional Egyptian culture.
Late Period (c. 664–332 BCE)
- 26th Dynasty (Saite Dynasty): Period of revival and stability, with Psamtik I and Necho II as notable rulers.
- 27th Dynasty: Persian rule under Cambyses and Darius I, integrating Egypt into the Achaemenid Empire.
- 28th–30th Dynasties: Native Egyptian rule re-established, marked by brief periods of independence.
- 31st Dynasty: Second Persian rule before the conquest by Alexander the Great.
Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BCE)
- Ptolemaic Dynasty: Established by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great. Marked by Hellenistic influence, with Alexandria as a major cultural center. Notable rulers include Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Cleopatra VII.
Roman Period (30 BCE onwards)
- Egypt becomes a province of the Roman Empire after the defeat of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony by Octavian (later Augustus).
These dynasties and periods reflect the dynamic and complex history of Ancient Egypt, characterized by periods of centralization and fragmentation, foreign invasions, and remarkable cultural achievements.
Dynasties
- Abydos Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eighteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eighth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eleventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fifteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fifth Dynasty Of Egypt
- First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fourteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fourth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Nineteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Ninth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Ptolemaic Dynasty Of Egypt
- Second Dynasty Of Egypt
- Seventeenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Seventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Sixteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Sixth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Tenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Third Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirtieth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirty First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twelfth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twentieth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Eighth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Fifth Dynasty Of Egypt Nubians
- Twenty First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Fourth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Ninth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Second Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Seventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Sixth Dynasty Of Egypt Saites
- Twenty Third Dynasty Of Egypt
