Egyptian history. Dynasties implies that that particular group of rulers belonged to a single family. The dynasties are usually grouped together into different kingdoms (Old, Middle, and New). During the dynasties, power passed from one dynasty to another. A dynasty ruled until it was overthrown or there were no heirs left to rule. Each kingdom ended in turmoil either after a period of infighting or after being invaded. The earliest epochs of Egyptian history are usually referred to as the Predynastic period and the Early Dynastic period which covers the first two dynasties. The periods between Kingdoms are known as Intermediate periods, times when centralized government control under a single king broke down. The last and Third Intermediate
