Three Kingdoms

Pre-Dynastic Period 3200-2600 BC• Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt separate kingdoms united • Dynastic System develops (succession of rulers from the same family or line) • Ruler (Pharoah) considered divine • Irrigation projects lead to an abundance of food and population explosion

Old Kingdom Egypt The Pyramid Age 2600 BC – 2150 BC • Era of Relative Peace and Stability • Major construction projects• 2600 BC – 1st Pyramid Building – Tombs of Pharaohs • 2500 BC – Great Pyramids & Sphinx constructed at Giza – Hieroglyphics standardized – Evidence of graffiti at tombs • 2100 BC – Regional nobles competed for control – Dynasty loses control

Middle Kingdom EgyptWorld Trading Power 2100 BC – 1700 BC • 2000 BC – Strong Pharaohs from Thebes gain control of the kingdom – Mentuhotep II regains control over all of Egypt – New capital in Lisht – Egypt becomes an international power by reconquering Nubia and expanding trade routes – Foreigners called Hyksos from eastern Mediterranean settle in Egypt during good times • 1500 BC – Hyksos eventually gain

New Kingdom EgyptThe Age of Empire 1550 BC – 1075 BC• 1550 BC – Rulers from Thebes reassert control and drive out Hyksos – Expand borders of Egypt in military campaign designed to strengthen the empire – Take control of Nubia and the Levant – Force tribute from Babylon, Assyria and other neighbors top the East • 1400 BC – Amenhotep IV (Akhenaton) attempts to impose monotheism • 1320 Ramses II – Strong, warrior Pharaoh – Signed treaty with Hittites

Reasons for Decline • Old Kingdom – Disunity / greed of local nobles • Middle Kingdom – Hyksos Conquer • New Kingdom – Assyrians Conquer