List of Egyptian dynasties
Overview of Egyptian Dynasties
Ancient Egypt is renowned for its rich history, which is often divided into distinct periods known as dynasties. These dynasties are a series of rulers from the same family or lineage who governed Egypt over a span of time. The concept of dynasties was first introduced by the Egyptian priest Manetho, who compiled a history of Egypt in the 3rd century BCE. His work, though lost, survives through the writings of later historians. The dynastic system provides a framework for understanding the complex and often overlapping reigns of Egyptian rulers.
Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100–2686 BCE)
The Early Dynastic Period marks the consolidation of Upper and Lower Egypt under a single ruler, traditionally attributed to Narmer, who is often identified with the legendary Menes. This period consists of the First and Second Dynasties.
First Dynasty (c. 3100–2890 BCE)
The First Dynasty is characterized by the establishment of Memphis as the capital and the development of Egyptian culture, including writing, art, and architecture. Notable rulers include Narmer, who is credited with unifying Egypt, and his successors such as Hor-Aha and Djer.
Second Dynasty (c. 2890–2686 BCE)
The Second Dynasty saw continued development and consolidation of power. It was marked by internal strife and the possible division of Egypt. Notable pharaohs include Hotepsekhemwy and Peribsen, the latter of whom adopted the Seth animal as his symbol, indicating possible religious or political shifts.
Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE)
The Old Kingdom is often referred to as the "Age of the Pyramids," with the most famous being the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Third Dynasty (c. 2686–2613 BCE)
The Third Dynasty is marked by the reign of Djoser, who commissioned the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, designed by the architect Imhotep. This period saw significant advancements in architecture and state organization.
Fourth Dynasty (c. 2613–2494 BCE)
The Fourth Dynasty is renowned for its monumental pyramids, including those at Giza built by Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. This period represents the zenith of pyramid construction and centralized royal power.
Fifth Dynasty (c. 2494–2345 BCE)
The Fifth Dynasty saw a shift towards solar worship, with the construction of sun temples. Notable rulers include Userkaf and Sahure. This period also experienced increased trade and military expeditions.
Sixth Dynasty (c. 2345–2181 BCE)
The Sixth Dynasty is characterized by the long reign of Pepi II, whose rule may have exceeded 90 years. This period saw the decentralization of power and the rise of local governors, contributing to the eventual decline of the Old Kingdom.
First Intermediate Period (c. 2181–2055 BCE)
The First Intermediate Period was a time of political fragmentation and economic decline. It is marked by the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Dynasties, with competing centers of power in Herakleopolis and Thebes.
Seventh and Eighth Dynasties (c. 2181–2160 BCE)
These dynasties are poorly documented and often considered ephemeral, with rapid successions of rulers. They are traditionally associated with Memphis.
Ninth and Tenth Dynasties (c. 2160–2055 BCE)
Centered in Herakleopolis, these dynasties are known for their struggles with Theban rulers. Notable figures include Kheti I and Merikare, who attempted to restore order and stability.
Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE)
The Middle Kingdom is characterized by reunification and cultural renaissance, with the Eleventh and Twelfth Dynasties as its core.
Eleventh Dynasty (c. 2055–1985 BCE)
The Eleventh Dynasty began in Thebes and is credited with reunifying Egypt under Mentuhotep II. This period saw the revival of monumental architecture and art.
Twelfth Dynasty (c. 1985–1773 BCE)
The Twelfth Dynasty is considered a golden age, with strong rulers such as Senusret III and Amenemhat III. It was marked by military campaigns, extensive building projects, and economic prosperity.
Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650–1550 BCE)
The Second Intermediate Period was marked by the invasion of the Hyksos, who established the Fifteenth Dynasty.
Thirteenth and Fourteenth Dynasties (c. 1803–1650 BCE)
These dynasties were characterized by a rapid succession of rulers and political instability. The Thirteenth Dynasty was based in Itjtawy, while the Fourteenth was centered in the eastern Delta.
Fifteenth Dynasty (c. 1650–1550 BCE)
The Hyksos, a foreign Semitic people, ruled from Avaris in the Delta. Their reign introduced new technologies, such as the horse-drawn chariot.
Sixteenth and Seventeenth Dynasties (c. 1650–1550 BCE)
These Theban dynasties resisted Hyksos rule, eventually leading to the expulsion of the Hyksos by Ahmose I, founder of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
New Kingdom (c. 1550–1077 BCE)
The New Kingdom represents the height of Egyptian power and influence, with the Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth Dynasties.
Eighteenth Dynasty (c. 1550–1292 BCE)
The Eighteenth Dynasty is known for its powerful pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Akhenaten. This period saw the expansion of the empire and significant cultural developments.
Nineteenth Dynasty (c. 1292–1189 BCE)
The Nineteenth Dynasty is marked by the reign of Ramesses II, who is often regarded as one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs. This period included monumental building projects and military campaigns.
Twentieth Dynasty (c. 1189–1077 BCE)
The Twentieth Dynasty saw the decline of the New Kingdom, with internal strife and external pressures. Notable rulers include Ramesses III, who defended Egypt against the Sea Peoples.
Third Intermediate Period (c. 1077–664 BCE)
The Third Intermediate Period was characterized by political fragmentation and the division of power between Tanis and Thebes.
Twenty-First Dynasty (c. 1077–943 BCE)
This dynasty was based in Tanis and is known for its priest-kings who controlled Thebes. It was marked by a decline in central authority.
Twenty-Second Dynasty (c. 943–720 BCE)
The Twenty-Second Dynasty, founded by Shoshenq I, was of Libyan origin. It saw the rise of powerful local rulers and increased foreign influence.
Twenty-Third to Twenty-Fifth Dynasties (c. 818–664 BCE)
These dynasties were characterized by competing claims to the throne and the eventual conquest of Egypt by the Nubian rulers of the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty, led by Piye.
Late Period (c. 664–332 BCE)
The Late Period saw the reunification of Egypt and the establishment of the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty, followed by Persian conquest.
Twenty-Sixth Dynasty (c. 664–525 BCE)
The Twenty-Sixth Dynasty, also known as the Saite Dynasty, was marked by a revival of Egyptian culture and independence under rulers like Psamtik I.
Twenty-Seventh Dynasty (c. 525–404 BCE)
This dynasty was established by the Persian conquest of Egypt under Cambyses II. It marked the first period of Persian rule.
Twenty-Eighth to Thirtieth Dynasties (c. 404–343 BCE)
These dynasties were characterized by brief periods of native rule, with rulers like Amyrtaeus and Nectanebo II attempting to restore Egyptian independence.
Ptolemaic Dynasty (c. 305–30 BCE)
The Ptolemaic Dynasty was established by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great. It marked the Hellenistic period in Egypt, with Alexandria as a major cultural center.
Roman and Byzantine Periods (30 BCE–641 CE)
Following the defeat of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire. The Byzantine period saw the spread of Christianity and the decline of traditional Egyptian culture.