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Narmer is among the first Egyptian kings to conquer and rule over both Upper and Lower Egypt. -
People begin to settle in the Nile valley. At first they hunt and gather food. Later, they begin to grow crops, keep animals and build homes on the banks of the river Nile.
Paleolithic and Neolithic periods (before 5500 BC) -
Early Egyptian burials take the form of a grave dug in the ground with the body placed in a curled-up position, with jars and baskets for food and drink for the afterlife. -
Writing using hieroglyphic signs develops. The ancient Egyptians use hieroglyphs for over 3,600 years to record important information.
Predynastic period (about 5500–3100 BC) -
Artificial preservation of bodies, which may have begun in earlier periods, continues to be developed. The Egyptians advance mummification by removing organs and drying the body using natron (natural salt), as well as applying oils and wrappings. -
Three large stone pyramids are built at Giza (near present-day Cairo). The pyramid built for the king Khafre is guarded by a huge stone sphinx with the body of a lion and the king's head. -
Coffin texts are first used. These spells help the dead person travel through the underworld to the afterlife. They are written on the coffins of wealthy ancient Egyptians. -
During the Middle Kingdom, wealthy people have wooden models of people preparing food or sailing on a boat put in their tombs to ensure good meals and safe travel in the afterlife.