1. Three Kingdoms

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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