Through the Eras

\CHRONOLOGY OF WORLD EVENTSBy Edward BleibergAll dates in this chronology are approximations (c.) andoccur before the common era (B.C.E.).4400–3100 The Predynastic Period occurs in Egypt.Nothing is known of historical eventsduring this time.3200–3100 Dynasty 0 occurs. During this dynasty, anunknown number of kings includingKing Scorpion and King Narmer lay thefoundations for the central government ofa united Egypt.3100–2800 The Egyptian First Dynasty consists ofnine known rulers whose capital wasperhaps in Abydos in central Egypt. Contemporarycity-states include Nineveh inNorthern Mesopotamia (Iraq), Troy inAnatolia (Turkey), and Ebla in Syria.2800–2675 The Egyptian Second Dynasty includes fivekings. The last of them, Khasekhemwy, wasthe subject of the first known seated statueof an Egyptian king.2675–2170 The Egyptian Old Kingdom is establishedand provides central government from thecapital city of Memphis.A fully developed writing system and literaturein the Sumerian language emerges inMesopotamia, and includes the first lawcodes and anonymous poetry. Political organizationis by city-states.The Ram and Tree offering stand andBull’s Head from a Harp are created inthe city of Ur.2675–2625 The Egyptian Third Dynasty includesfive kings. Djoser, builder of the StepPyramid in Saqqara and subject of a lifesizeseated statue, is second king of thedynasty.2625–2500 Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty includes sevenkings. The most famous are Khufu, builderof the Great Pyramid at Giza, as well ashis son and grandson; Khafre, builder ofthe Great Sphinx; and Menkaure.2500–1800 Early Minoan II culture flourishes alongareas of the Aegean and Mediterraneanseas. It is characterized by the earlieststone vessels, jewelry, copper daggers, importedobsidian, and textile manufacture.2500–2200 Early Helladic II culture flourishes on theGreek mainland.2500–2350 Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty consists of eightkings. The first “Overseer of UpperEgypt” is established to deliver taxes tothe court at Memphis. A second vizier forLower Egypt is established. The firstprovincial governors called “nomarchs”take office.xvii