How long did the Egyptian civilization last? What years?

The Egyptian civilization is traditionally considered to have lasted for over 3000 years. The start of the Egyptian civilization is generally pegged to the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by the first pharaoh, which is dated around 3100 BC. Historians usually mark the end of ancient Egyptian civilization with the death of Cleopatra and the Roman conquest in 30 BC. Therefore, if we calculate the duration from the approximate start date to the end, Egyptian civilization lasted for about 3070 years.

Extra: The history of ancient Egyptian civilization is often divided into different periods. These periods are categorized based on dynastic changes, significant events, and shifts in power. The main periods are as follows:

1. Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100-2686 BC): This period follows the mythical pre-dynastic period and begins with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. It includes the first and second dynasties, where pharaohs established the administrative and religious patterns that would characterize ancient Egyptian civilization.

2. Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BC): Often known as "The Age of the Pyramids," the Old Kingdom is the time when much of the architecture, including the great pyramids of Giza, was built. It was a period of great prosperity and political strength.

3. First Intermediate Period (c. 2181-2055 BC): This was a time of political fragmentation and chaos when central authority broke down, and small kingdoms rose throughout Egypt.

4. Middle Kingdom (c. 2055-1650 BC): This period is marked by the reunification of Egypt under the leadership of Mentuhotep II. It was a new age of political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural flowering.

5. Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650-1550 BC): Another era of disunity and foreign invasion, where the Hyksos, a people of possibly Levantine origin, gained power in the northern part of Egypt.

6. New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BC): Known as the "Egyptian Empire," this period saw Egypt extending its control beyond its traditional borders, establishing an empire that stretched to modern-day Syria in the north and Nubia in the south.

7. Third Intermediate Period (c. 1070-664 BC): A time with much political fragmentation, with power being divided between competing dynasties and regional powers.

8. Late Period (c. 664-332 BC): A turbulent period where Egypt was invaded by the Assyrians and Persians, marking the decline of native Egyptian ruling strength.

9. Ptolemaic Dynasty (c. 332-30 BC): Founded by Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals, this was the last dynasty of ancient Egypt, ending with the death of Cleopatra VII.

Understanding the timeline helps conceptualize the remarkable endurance and evolution of Egyptian civilization. Throughout these periods, the ancient Egyptians made significant advancements in art, architecture, and technology. Egyptian culture, religion, and governance influenced many later civilizations and left a lasting legacy that is still admired today.