Milestones across thirty centuries
Move through defining moments in Egyptian history, from the first dynasties and pyramid building to the New Kingdom, the Ptolemies and the end of pharaonic rule.
History in motion
Dates in early Egyptian history are approximate. This chronology follows the major periods and events that reshaped kingship, religion, architecture and Egyptβs place in the ancient world.
Early kings consolidate the Two Lands, developing royal institutions, writing and a visual language of sacred rule.
Explore event βThe complex associated with Imhotep marks a decisive move toward monumental stone architecture.
Explore event βKhufu, Khafre and Menkaure create the most famous royal landscape of the Old Kingdom.
Explore event βRegional rulers gain power as the political unity of the Old Kingdom breaks down.
Explore event βTheban rule restores a unified monarchy and begins a new age of expansion and artistic achievement.
Explore event βAvaris becomes the centre of a delta kingdom connected to western Asia, while Theban rulers hold the south.
Explore event βThe expulsion of the Hyksos inaugurates an imperial era of campaigning, temple building and international diplomacy.
Explore event βHer reign celebrates divine legitimacy, trade to Punt and the terraced temple at Deir el-Bahri.
Explore event βCampaigns in the Levant and Nubia reinforce Egyptβs status as a major eastern Mediterranean power.
Explore event βThe court moves to Akhetaten and royal art, ritual and the organisation of worship are dramatically altered.
Explore event βThe young king reverses key Amarna reforms; his largely intact tomb later becomes an archaeological icon.
Explore event βRamesses II confronts the Hittite empire in a battle later monumentalised across Egyptian temples.
Explore event βColossal faΓ§ades in Nubia present the pharaoh as victorious, divine and eternally present.
Explore event βRoyal and priestly centres share authority as Libyan dynasties and regional powers emerge.
Explore event βRulers based at Sais reunify much of Egypt and consciously revive earlier artistic and royal traditions.
Explore event βPersian kings become pharaohs while Egypt remains a strategically important and frequently contested province.
Explore event βHe is accepted as pharaoh and founds Alexandria, which becomes the capital of the later Ptolemaic kingdom.
Explore event βA Macedonian dynasty rules through a fusion of Greek court culture and Egyptian pharaonic tradition.
Explore event βAfter the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Egypt becomes a province governed within the Roman imperial system.
Explore event β