BBC History Magazine

Evolution of ancient empires

c3100 BC

King Menes rules over a newly united Egypt, joining the Upper (southern) and Lower (northern) Kingdoms at the start of what is now termed the Early Dynastic Period. Menes is credited with founding the capital at Memphis, 15 miles south of the modern city of Cairo.

3000 BC

2500 BC

c2686 BC

The period known as the of ancient Egypt begins with the founding of the Third Dynasty. A series of is built, beginning with Djoser’s step pyramid at Saqqara (c2650 BC),

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