Around The World
Egypt Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Egypt's history.
3100-332 B.C.
B.C. Ancient Egypt is established when a king named Narmer unifies the Upper and Lower kingdoms. Egyptians develop hieroglyphic writing. The pyramids and the Sphinx are built.
NORTH WIND PICTURE ARCHIVES/AP
332 B.C.
Alexander the Great, of Macedonia, conquers Egypt. He begins a dynasty that rules for 300 years.30 B.C.
After romances with Romans Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, Queen Cleopatra is believed to have killed herself with the bite of a snake. Rome takes control of Egypt.642-1517 A.D.
Arab leader Amr Ibn al-As captures Alexandria. During this period, many people convert to Islam.1869
The Suez Canal opens, linking the Mediterranean with the Red Sea. The canal took 10 years to build and cut in half the distance ships travel between Europe and parts of Asia.1914
Egypt is declared a protectorate of Britain, giving Britain control over Egypt.1922
Egypt declares independence from Britain. A monarchy is established, and Fuad I is named king.1952
The Egyptian army seizes power. Later, Gamal Abdel Nasser becomes president.1967
Israel defeats Egypt, Jordan and Syria in the Six-Day War. Israeli troops occupy Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.1970
President Nasser dies and is replaced by his Vice-President, Anwar Sadat.
AP
1971
The Aswan High Dam is completed. It improves irrigation, agriculture and industry in Egypt.1978
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem begin signing the U.S.-sponsored Camp David Peace Accords. Israel returns the Sinai to Egypt in exchange for a promise of peace.1999
President Hosni Mubarak begins his fourth term in office.
JANET KIMBER—GETTY IMAGES