At least as early as the rule of the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (and possibly much earlier), much of Egypt was divided into Nomes or “districts, provinces.” These Nomes were administered by Nomarchs or “governors.”

The Egyptians believed that their land consisted of two, distinct regions — Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt — which had been united by King Menes. The rulers of Lower Egypt typically wore a red crown to represent their dominion over Lower Egypt; and the rulers of Upper Egypt typically wore a white crown to represent their dominion over Upper Egypt. Many Pharaohs, of course, wore a red and white crown to represent their dominion over unified Egypt.

Adultery was illegal for both men and women throughout most of ancient Egyptian history. Women, however, were forbidden from committing adultery with anyone. Whereas men were only forbidden from committing adultery with a married woman. This was done to ensure that a father could be reassured of his paternity, and not out of some modern appreciation for women’s rights.

Marriage was rarely directly controlled by the state, and Egyptians could seek divorce and commit adultery without fear of government punishment. Marriage and adultery, however, were heavily regulated by the local community, which had a vested interest in enforcing norms and promoting peaceful co-existence.

Imhotep was an architect who lived during the reign of King Djoser in the third dynasty. He is most famous for leading the construction of the Step Pyramid (the first pyramid built in Egyptian history). He was renowned in ancient Egypt for the construction of the Step Pyramid and for the fact that he was the first architect to use stone instead of mudbrick. Stone has many advantages over mudbrick, not least of all longevity. Imhotep’s innovation has allowed some of ancient Egypt’s finest monuments to survive to this day.

Narmer was the ruler who unified Upper and Lower Egypt into one kingdom, founding the First Dynasty. His true identity is a subject of debate, but most scholars identify him as the early Egyptian pharaoh Menes. His tomb was found in Abydos, and excavated.

The 28th, 29th, and 30th dynasties in Egypt all ruled during the half-century between two periods of Persian rule in Egypt.

Ay was the chief advisor to Tutankhamun (and possibly one or two other, earlier, Pharaohs). He is presumed to have been the primary political leader in Egypt during Tutankhamun’s short reign, and he assumed the position of Pharaoh after the young boy’s death. He was the penultimate ruler of the eighteenth dynasty.

Marriage was very common in ancient Egyptian society and most people would have gotten married in their teenage years. The vast majority of Egyptians were monogamous, with the notable exception of many Egyptian rulers. Some Pharaohs would take multiple wives and then one of those would rule as queen or “chief wife.”

In ancient Egyptian society, property was generally passed down to the surviving members of the family after someone had died. An individual could specify, in their will, to whom they wished to leave their possessions. Women were more equal in Egyptian society than elsewhere and could both pass down and inherit property. Both sons and daughters expected an equal share of their parent’s wealth unless otherwise stipulated.