INTRO When we think of ancient civilizations, we think of Egypt. There are a few reasons for this, like the fact that the pyramids are the last man standing among the seven ancient wonders of the world. But more importantly, ancient Egyptian civilization lasted from 3000 BCE to 332 BCE. That's a period that historians call a long-ass time. And I will remind you, it is not cursing if I'm talking about donkeys. So there are many approaches to the study of history. You can view history as a millennia-long conversation about philosophy or as clashes between great men.