Egypt History

Interesting facts about Egypt date back to prehistoric times, and Egyptian history can be divided into several different eras. The dynasties are probably the most prominent distinction among eras throughout the Egypt history. Many empires have long coveted and come to dominate this part of the world. Today, people can visit the ancient relics that are still standing from the time of the pharaohs, reminding us of the illustrious and long history of this part of North Africa.

The history of Egypt can be divided into several different categories, including the Prehistoric period, dating back to nearly 700,000 years ago, the Dynastic period, encompassing dozens upon dozens of dynasties and thousands of years, and finally, the Greek, Roman, Islamic, French, and British periods, during which times, those empires assumed power over the land. For most travelers to the country, the most popular and intriguing period in Egypt history is that of ancient Egypt and the pharaohs.

A few of the most well known rulers throughout the dynastic history of ancient Egypt include Menes, Tutankhamun, Nefertiti, Ramses II, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra VII, and Augustus Caesar. Menes is credited with being the first pharaoh of the first dynasty of Egypt, beginning around 3100 BC. Although there is some controversy surrounding Menes and Narmer both being the first pharaoh, most evidence points to Narmer being the pharaoh just after Menes.

King Tut is part of several interesting facts about Egypt. His full name was Tutankhamun, meaning "living image of Amun," was one of the youngest rulers of Egypt at the age of nine, and his reign lasted for about ten years. His famous tomb was uncovered in the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor. Although his exact parentage is unknown, it is speculated that his father was Amenhotep IV and his stepmother was Nefertiti.Nefertiti is known as one of the most, if not the most, beautiful queen in Egyptian history, as well as one of the most influential; there is speculation that she became one of the more obscure pharaohs when she dropped out of sight in the history of Egypt, but most evidence points to a quiet death before Amenhotep IV died.

Ramses II, known as Ramses the Great, is probably the most celebrated ruler in Egyptian history. Regarded as the greatest and most powerful; he became known as the Great Ancestor by his successors. He lived to a ripe old age of 96, and throughout his lifetime, he embarked on many military campaigns as well as building and restoration projects with his father. The great statues of Ramses II still exist at Abu Simbel.

Alexander the Great came upon Egypt during the reign of Darius III, who gave up without a struggle; Darius III was awarded a high position under Alexander in reference to his cooperation during the conquest. After his takeover, Alexander was accepted as the new pharaoh, and he established the flourishing city of Alexandria, which became as well known as its founder, particularly for the historic library that once stood there.

More than 200 years later, Cleopatra VII took the throne as the Queen of Egypt; her reign was carried over rough times of unrest in the area. Several times, she was dethroned, forced to flee, and later reinstated. Although there were several love affairs in the life of Cleopatra, the most famous remains that with Mark Antony, who divorced Augustus Caesar's sister for her; they fled the country when Augustus defeated their army. When Cleopatra returned, she failed in an attempt to seduce Augustus, and as legend has it, she died after allowing herself to be bitten by an asp.

Today, many of the ancient relics of Egypt history are still standing and reveal many facts about Egypt; travelers can take tours of the ancient pyramids and revisit some of the most powerful kings in the history of mankind. The Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings are both popular attractions, as they're home to tombs of some of the most famous Egyptian rulers, and in addition to the pyramids at Giza, there are other stunning structures, including the Citadel of Saladin, the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur, and the Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.