Why is it so confusing ?

The history of ancient Egypt is exceptionally long, spanning over 3,000 years. To navigate this vast period, historians traditionally rely on the classification system of the Egyptian priest Manetho (3rd century BC), who categorized the rulers into successive dynasties.

The Count of Dynasties

There are officially 30 major dynasties, from the unification of the country (around 3150 BC) to the conquest by Alexander the Great (332 BC).

Some historians add a 31st Dynasty (the second period of Persian rule) or include the Ptolemaic period (ending under Cleopatra), but the number 30 remains the academic standard.

These dynasties are grouped into major periods of stability (the « Empires ») separated by periods of turmoil (the « Intermediate Periods »).

The Most Influential Dynasties

While each era has contributed to history, four dynasties have left an indelible mark on world history:

️ The Fourth Dynasty (Old Kingdom): The Pyramid Builders

This was an era of excess and the consolidation of the Pharaoh’s absolute power.

Key rulers: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.

Legacy: The construction of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. This was the golden age of monumental architecture.

The Twelfth Dynasty (Middle Kingdom): The Classical Age

After a period of chaos, this dynasty restored Egypt to its former glory, with a focus on administration and the arts.

Key rulers: Sesostris III, Amenemhat III.

Legacy: A flourishing literature and territorial expansion into Nubia. The pharaoh began to be seen as the « shepherd » of his people.

☀️ The 18th Dynasty (New Kingdom): The Empire of Conquerors

This is undoubtedly the most famous. Egypt became a wealthy and warlike global superpower.

Key rulers: Hatshepsut (the queen-pharaoh), Thutmose III (the Egyptian Napoleon), Akhenaten (the heretic pharaoh), and his son Tutankhamun.

Legacy: The Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and the Amarna religious revolution.

⚔️ The 19th Dynasty (New Kingdom): The Ramses

This dynasty is marked by major military confrontations and unprecedented royal propaganda.

Key ruler: Ramses II, who reigned for 66 years.

Legacy: The Abu Simbel temple, the peace treaty with the Hittites (the first in history), and a frenzy of construction throughout the country.