Predynastic Period in Egypt: The Time Before History Began

Q: What is the Predynastic Period of Egypt?

The Predynastic Period of Egypt is the era from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic eras and on to the beginning of the Early Dynastic Period.

Q: Are there any written records from the Predynastic Period of Egypt?

No. Writing had not yet been invented. Archaeologists rely on physical evidence such as grave goods and the ruins of settlements to construct a timeline of this era.

Q: Were there any kings during the Predynastic Period of Egypt?

No. There were no kings until the Early Dynastic Period. In the Predynastic Period, there were tribal chiefs who governed their own people and then those of the wider community.

Q: How did the Predynastic Period end?

The Predynastic Period ended when King Narmer (also known as Menes) united Upper and Lower Egypt as one country and established the First Dynasty of Egypt, initiating the historical era of ancient Egypt.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

The Predynastic Period in ancient Egypt is the time before recorded history, from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic Age and on to the rise of the First Dynasty, and is generally recognized as spanning the era from circa 6000 to 3150 BCE (though physical evidence argues for a longer history). While there are no written records from this period, archaeological excavations throughout Egypt have uncovered artifacts that tell their own story of the development of culture in the Nile River Valley.

More about: Predynastic Period in Egypt

Timeline

c. 9000 BCE - c. 6000 BCE
Faiyum A culture in Egypt.
c. 6000 BCE - 3150 BCE
The Predynastic Period in Egypt.
c. 5000 BCE - c. 4000 BCE
Merimba culture in Egypt.
c. 4500 BCE - c. 4000 BCE
Badarian culture in Egypt.
c. 4000 BCE
El Omari, Ma'adi, and Tasian cultures in Egypt.
c. 4000 BCE - c. 3500 BCE
Amratian culture (also known as Naqada I) in Egypt.
c. 3500 BCE - c. 3200 BCE
Gerzean culture (also known as Naqada II) in Egypt.
c. 3200 BCE - 3150 BCE
Naqada III culture in Ancient Egypt.
3150 BCE - 2613 BCE
The Early Dynastic Period in Egypt; beginning of historic dynasties.

Predynastic Period in Egypt

17th Anniversary Fundraiser

Definition

Timeline