Here is the most recent Ancient Egypt Timeline Compiled by Dr John Baines, Professor of Egyptology, University of Oxford ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3100-2950 BC - Late Predynastic Period Earliest known hieroglyphic writing Foundation of the Egyptian state 2950-2575 BC - Early Dynastic Period (1st-3rd Dynasties) Creation of the capital city of Memphis Intensive contact with Palestine The first pyramid is built - the Step Pyramid at Saqqara 2575-2150 BC Old Kingdom (4th-8th Dynasties) The Great Pyramids are built at Dahshur and Giza Pyramids and elite tombs include the first extensive inscriptions 2125-1975 BC 1st Intermediate Period (9th-11th Dynasties) Egypt splits into two smaller states, ruled from Memphis in the north and Thebes in the south 1975-1640 BC Middle Kingdom (11th-14th Dynasties) Mentuhotep reunites Egypt Amenemhat I founds a new royal residence near Memphis Egypt conquers Lower Nubia under Senwosret I and III Classical period of art and literature 1630- 1520 BC 2nd Intermediate Period (15th-17th Dynasties) Hyksos kings seize power in the north Theban 17th dynasty in the south