Timeline
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Discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb
Howard Carter looks inside Tutankhamun's tomb for the first time.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
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Disovery of the Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone was carved in three scripts, including ancient Greek and Egyptian hieroglyphics. This allowed archaeologists to decipher hieroglyphics.
Hieroglyphics
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Napoleon invades Egypt
The invasion of Egypt led to many Egyptian artefacts being brought to Europe. This is seen as the beginning of the European obsession with Egypt.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
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The End of Ancient Egypt
Egypt was part of the Roman Empire from 30 BC onwards. The arrival of Christianity in the 4th Century AD led to the slow disappearance of traditional Egyptian religion and the hieroglyphic script.
Hieroglyphics
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Roman Period
Egypt became part of the Roman Empire in 30 BC after the defeat of Queen Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. Egyptian culture slowly began to fade as Roman culture came to dominate.
The End of Ancient Egypt
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Cleopatra
The second to last Pharaoh of Egypt, and last to actively rule Egypt. Her and Mark Anthony attempted to defend Egypt from Roman conquest but ultimately failed.
The End of Ancient Egypt
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Ptolemaic Period
Egypt is conquered by Alexander the Great. A new capital is established at Alexandria, where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria is built alongside the Library of Alexandria.
The End of Ancient Egypt
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Late Period
Egypt defends itself from both the Assyrians and the Babylonians, who attempt to invade Egypt numerous times in this period. Ultimately Egypt was conquered by the Persians.
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Abu Simbel
Built in the reign of Ramesses II, this temple contains four huge statues of Ramesses II. The temple was relocated between 1964 and 1968 to avoid being submerged by Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan dam.
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Ramesses II
Regarded as the greatest Pharaoh of Egypt. Ramesses built many temples and monuments during his reign, including Abu Simbel.
The Pharaohs
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Tutankhamun
One of the most famous Pharaoh as his tomb was discovered intact, including an incredible solid gold death mask.
The Pharaohs
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Nefertiti
Wife of Akhenaten and Queen consort of Egypt. It is believed Nefertit ruled Egypt alongside her husband.
Women in Ancient Egypt
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Akhenaten
Controversial Pharaoh who changed the religion to focus on one god, the sun god Aten. After his death the religion was changed back again and Akhenaten's name was chiselled off monuments.
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Temple of Hatshepsut
A mortuary temple dedicated to the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut. The temple is located near the Valley of the Kings and was constructed over 3,500 years ago.
Women in Ancient Egypt
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New Kingdom
Egypt's most prosperous period, which saw the reign of the most well known Pharaohs including Ramesses II and Tutankhamun.
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Valley of the Kings
Located in the desert near the modern city of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings contains 63 tombs of Pharaohs and high-ranking officials buried between the 16th and 11th century BC. Tutankhamun's tomb is located here.
To Bury a King
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Karnak
A huge temple complex located in modern-day Luxor. Construction of Karnak began nearly 4000 years ago and continued for 2000 years.
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Middle Kingdom
Egypt grows in power as it develops its agriculture, government and military. Egyptian art and culture became more complex, with religion and afterlife opening up to more citizens, not just the ruling class.
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Khufu
Pharaoh of Egypt during the Old Kingdom period, and believed to have been buried in the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Building the Great Pyramid
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Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a mystery, as it is unknown who built it, why it was built, or when it was built. We don't even know what the ancient Egyptians called it! Archaeologists believe the Sphinx was probably built at the same time as the Pyramid of Khafre over 4,500 years ago.
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Pyramids of Giza
There are three large pyramids found at Giza, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Great Pyramid. All three pyramids were constructed over a 60 year period over 4,500 years ago.
Building the Great Pyramid
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The Old Kingdom
A time of prosperity for Egypt which saw the construction of the Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
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Early Dynastic Period
Lower and Upper Egypt is unified and the capital is moved to Memphis. The first hieroglyphs appear at this time. Pharaohs and high-class individuals are buried in tombs called mastabas.
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Predynastic Period
People settle the Nile valley in small tribes.
