The history of ancient Egypt begins in the Neolithic Period, between 6000 and 5000 B.C., and is considered to end with the Arab conquest in A.D. 642. Scholars today divide this history into twelve major periods, which they then subdivide into eras of related rulers known as dynasties. The timeline on the following page shows the names and dates of the major periods, as well as selected developments that were occurring at the same time elsewhere in the world. Select a period for a description and a list of the dynasties and reigns that occurred within it. The illustrations are of objects in the Brooklyn Museum of Art’s collection. What Do the Terms B.C. and A.D. Mean? How Do We Reconstruct Ancient Egyptian History?