The Pharaonic Eras:

Prehistoric Period

		The history of Egypt during the first two dynasties is somewhat obscure.The little material evidence of this period suggest that king MENES is responsible for the unification of upper and lower Egypt ,and the founding of a new capital at Memphis.
		The early dynastic period was a time of experimentation, that paved the way fort the evolution of Egypt's unique artistic and religious conventions.

Old Kingdom

		The old kingdom represents an important phase in Egypt's political and cultural development. Almost five centuries of continuos progress, lay the foundation to one of the most influential cultures of the ancient world It was during this crucial period that Hieroglyphic writing reached a reasonable level of sophistication and the techniques of crafts came to a high level of professionalism. King DJOSER , owner of the step pyramid at Saqqara, is the first and most celebrated king of the third dynasty.
		The works of CHEOPS, CHEPHREN, and MYCERINUS , the creators of the three pyramids at Giza represents the peak of achievements in the architectural field. A strong centralized government , as well as a divine kingship characterize this period , but towards the end of the period, central authority disintegrated and the country fell into a state of rapid decline.

Middle Kingdom

The re-establishment of a single administration for the whole country was achieved by MENTUHOTEP II. The middle kingdom was a period of revival of the Egyptian character. The kings of the eleventh dynasty were able to exert control over the land and located their capital in IST-TAWY (near modern El-LISHT) The kings of the twelfth dynasty promoted the economic and political development ;Egyptian trade flourished, and an elaborate irrigation system was again established. There was also a reversion to pyramid building , but it was undertaken on a much humbler level as compared with the old kingdom. Unfortunately, this revival was followed by the ultimate downfall of the central government and the country fell into the hands of foreign rulers.

New Kingdom

		It was during this period that Egypt reached the zenith of its glory. Vast military expansions both in Asia and the Sudan were undertaken by the Egyptian ruler. TUTMOSIS III was among the pioneers in the military field. The degree of refinement of this age is clearly manifested in the architectural heritage. Under the rule of queen HATSHIPSUT, the artistic revival began .
		The reigning monarchs of this period showed a genuine interest in art and architecture. AKHENATON, the heretic pharaoh, reached the peak of artistic innovations with his unique art style that accompanied his religious reformation. Indeed, it is to the powerful kings of this kingdom that the capital, Thebes, owes its present allure.

Late Period The late period was on the whole a period of deterioration. The office of kingship suffered a decline in prestige, and the political and social systems were unstable. Egypt was now ruled from two separate capitals, one in the north and one in the south. Also, large foreign colonies were established within Egyptian territories . The influence of the state god Amun was dispersed among other minor city-gods, but Amon still retained some of his previous power ,at least in Upper Egypt.Political and social instability and the power of the Egyptian pharaohs was weak and challenged by other forces in the countery .Larg foreign colonies developed and Egypt for the first time opened its borders to the foreigners who settled in the delta. for more information click here