A study of the history and civilization of ancient Egypt from the union of Egypt to the end of the Middle Kingdom (early third millennium BC to c.1800 BC). Emphasis will be placed on both documentary sources of information and material evidence in order to understand the political, social and cultural life of the ancient Egyptians in the Old and Middle kingdoms. The factors which allowed for the construction of the pyramids, the nature of kingship in this period and the development of a unique Egyptian civilization will be analysed. Assessment will be by written assignments.