The earliest known villages in ancient Egypt date back over 5,000 years. These villages became part of two kingdoms. One of thes
e kingdoms controlled the villages on the Nile Delta. The other controlled the villages south of the delta. The delta area was known as Lower Egypt. The southern region was known as Upper Egypt. Egyptian civilization began about 3100 B.C. King Menes, a king from Upper Egypt, conquered Lower Egypt. He then united the country and formed the world's first national government. King Menes founded Memphis as the capital. (This is near present-day Cairo).
King Menes also created the first Egyptian dynasty. A dynasty is a series of rulers in the same family. Over 30 dynasties ruled ancient Egypt. The first two dynasties ruled for about 400 years. During this period the Egyptians developed irrigation systems, plows, and a system of writing. The years of the third and fourth dynasties were known as the Old Kingdom, or the Pyramid Age. As the name suggests, this period was best known for the building of the great pyramids. By the time of the fifth dynasty, the king's power began to weaken. High priests and government officials fought for power. Most of the next five dynasties had weak rulers.
Which of the following lines best summarizes this passage?
A The 5,000 year history of ancient Egypt can be traced from early villages to kingdoms to dynasties.
B The crowning achievement of ancient Egypt was the great pyramids, which were built during the Pyramid Age.
C King Menes, the first king of Egypt, created the system of dynasties that lasted for many years.
D Ancient Egypt began 5,000 years ago, when early villages became kingdoms.
