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Ancient Egypt

2630 B.C. : Old Kingdom. Upper and Lower Egypt are unified; first classic phase of Egyptian civilization; the pyramid age (Khufu or Cheops, Khafre or Chephren, Menkaure or Mycerinus). Image: King Mycerinus and Queen Kha-merer-nebty II 2250 B.C. : First Intermediate Period. Top-heavy bureaucracy and economic disasters divide the nation; regional warfare and economic fragmentation. Image: Statue of Wep-wawet-em-hat 2061 B.C. : Middle Kingdom. Reunification of Upper and Lower Egypt; less centralized privilege; classical period of Egyptian literature; economic expansion into the south (Nubia) (Mentuhoteps, Senwosrets, Amenemhats). Image: Model of a procession of a priest with bearers carrying offerings 1784 B.C. : Second Intermediate Period. Hyksos foreigners conquer Egypt. Image: Royal pectoral 1570 B.C. : New Kingdom. Hyksos are expelled; Egyptian empire extends through Syria-Palestine in north, Nubia in south; rise of state god Amen except for Akhenaten's Aten revolution (Thutmoses, Tutankhamen, Ramesses). Image: Head of King Tut-ankh-amen 1070 B.C.: Third Intermediate Period. Empire declines; Pharaohs in the north, while high priests of Amen control the south; Nubian invasions. Image: Coffin of Nes-mut-aat-neru 685 B.C. : Late Period. Archaism and renaissance of Egyptian culture, then reduced sphere of influence. Hellenistic presence grows; conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.; Egypt becomes Roman province in 31 B.C. Image: Head of a priest 332 B.C.