Ancient Egypt Timeline for Kids
Ancient Egypt grew up along the Nile River in Africa. Its kings were called pharaohs. The Egyptians built pyramids and temples that still stand today. This timeline shows 3,000 years of their story.
Cut and Order Activity
Cut out the seven picture cards and glue them in order on the timeline.
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The timeline
About 3100 BCOne Kingdom
Egypt was once two lands, one in the north and one in the south. A king joins them into one country.
Why it matters: Egypt became one of the first big countries in the world. It lasted for 3,000 years.
About 2560 BCThe Great Pyramid
Workers build the Great Pyramid at Giza as a tomb for King Khufu. It is made of more than two million stone blocks.
Why it matters: It was the tallest building in the world for almost 4,000 years. You can still visit it.
About 1470 BCQueen Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut rules Egypt as pharaoh. She is one of very few women to hold that job. She sends ships to far lands to trade.
Why it matters: Her time as pharaoh was peaceful, and Egypt grew rich.
About 1330 BCThe Boy King
Tutankhamun becomes pharaoh when he is about nine years old. People call him King Tut. He dies young, at about 18.
Why it matters: His tomb was filled with gold and treasure, and then it was hidden for more than 3,000 years.
About 1250 BCRamses the Great
Ramses II rules Egypt for 66 years. He builds giant temples, with huge statues of himself carved from rock.
Why it matters: He is remembered as one of the most powerful pharaohs.
30 BCThe Last Pharaoh
Cleopatra is the last pharaoh of Egypt. After she dies, Rome takes over the country.
Why it matters: The time of the pharaohs was over.
AD 1922King Tut's Tomb Is Found
A scientist named Howard Carter finds the door to King Tut's tomb. Inside are more than 5,000 objects, and a mask made of gold.
Why it matters: The treasures taught us how the ancient Egyptians lived.
Words to know
- pharaoh: a king or queen of ancient Egypt
- pyramid: a huge stone building with a square bottom and four sloping sides
- tomb: a place where a dead person is buried
- temple: a building made for worship
Quiz
- What were the kings of ancient Egypt called?
A. Pharaohs B. Pilgrims C. Presidents - What was the Great Pyramid built to be?
A. A school B. A tomb for a king C. A fort - How old was King Tut when he became pharaoh?
A. About nine B. About thirty C. About sixty - Who was the last pharaoh of Egypt?
A. Hatshepsut B. Cleopatra C. Ramses II - What did Howard Carter find in 1922?
A. The Great Pyramid B. King Tut's tomb C. The Nile River
Show answers
1. A (Pharaohs) 2. B (A tomb for a king) 3. A (About nine) 4. B (Cleopatra) 5. B (King Tut's tomb)
The pictures are illustrations made for this timeline. They show what these people and places may have looked like.