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The official history of Ancient Egypt begins in 3100 BC (Early Dynastic Period – c. 3050–2686 BC) when King Meni united the two kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt. Ancient Egypt’s history is then divided into three stable Kingdoms – the Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC) when the Pyramids were built, the Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BC) which saw an explosion in art and literature, and the New Kingdom (1550–1069 BC), when many great temples were built. These Kingdoms are separated by Intermediate Periods, characterized by political instability. The glory of Ancient Egypt fell into decline in around 1070 BC, when Egypt effectively split back into two states. The earliest settlements of Ancient Egypt concentrated on the Nile Valley at a time when the climate was much wetter and the lands much greener. Much of the success of Ancient Egypt is attributed to the way these people adapted to and utilized the ever-changing water levels of the River Nile. With clever irrigation systems and crop production, this was a civilization that was way ahead of its time.

Ancient Egypt reached its peak during the New Kingdom, under the rule of some of the period’s most well-known pharaohs including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Amenhotep III and Queen Hatshepsut. The spoils of these rulers and their prosperity can be found dotted across Egypt from the bejeweled death mask of King Tutankhamun, to the temples of Abu Simbel in the south. With such an illustrious history, it’s little surprise that there’s a wealth of ancient sites to visit in Egypt. From the world-famous attractions frequented by travelers from across the centuries to the lesser-known sites that remain peacefully quiet. Here’s our guide to the best of what ancient Egypt has to offer.