An Introduction to the Ancient Egyptian Civilization

Video

This Introduction to the Ancient Egyptian Civilization is a compact guide to the main time periods, events and pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Narrated by DW Draffin, learn all about the beginnings of the Old Kingdom of Egypt with the first pharaoh Menes (also known as Narmer), well known from the Narmer Palette. The Old Kingdom is also known as the Age of the Pyramids, since this is the period the grand monuments were constructed. It was under the dynasties of the Old Kingdom that the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx were built.

Ancient Egypt had periods of foreign rule throughout their history, known as Intermediate Periods. The Second intermediate Period was ruled by the Hyksos, a group of people who respected the religion and culture of the Egyptians, and introduced important innovations such as the chariot and the skill of casting bronze.

The Middle Kingdom is known as Ancient Egypt's classical age- and reached its height during its 12th dynasty. At the period, one of the greatest building projects was undertaken; the Karnak temple Complex at Luxor.

The New Kingdom of Egypt was the period of the Egyptian Empire and its borders were expanded further than any previous period. It was during this time that famous pharaohs such as Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, Akhenaten and Ramesses the Great ruled over Egypt. The New Kingdom is also the time of the strong female rulers Nefertiti and Hatshepsut.