Egypt, Ancient, was the birthplace of one of the world's first civilization The civilization we call ancient Egypt stated about 5,000 years ago, when the rule if the pharaohs began in the Nile River Valley in north-eastern Africa. It thrived for over 2,000 years and so became one of the longest lasting civilization in history.

In time, the villages became part of two kingdoms. One of these kingdoms controlled the villages that lay on the Nile Delta, and the other controlled the villages south of the delta. The delta area was known as Lower Egypt. The southern region was called Upper Egypt.

The early period of ancient Egyptian history covered Dynasties I and II, which ruled for about 400 years. During this period, the kings built a temple to Ptah, the chief god of Memphis, and erected several palaces near the temple. The Egyptians also developed irrigation systems, invented ox-drawn plows, and began to use hieroglyphic writing during the first two dynasties.