History of Egypt The history of Egypt spans thousands of years and is divided into several distinct periods. Here is an overview of the major periods in Egyptian historyAncient Egypt (c. 3100 BCE - 332 BCE) Ancient Egypt is known for its magnificent pyramids, pharaohs, and the Nile River civilization. This period saw the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by King Menes, marking the beginning of the Old Kingdom. The Old Kingdom witnessed the construction of iconic structures such as the Great Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza. The Middle Kingdom followed, characterized by stability, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements. The New Kingdom was a period of powerful pharaohs, military conquests, and the reign of renowned pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, and Tutankhamun. This era also witnessed the famous Battle of Kadesh with the Hittites. Towards the end of the New Kingdom, Egypt faced external invasions, including the conquest by the Persians in 525 BCE.