The Ancient Egyptian period took place over an immensely long period of time. This period of time began in predynastic times, long before there was a single king that presided over this civilization, from about 5500 BCE. The Early Dynastic Period began in 3150 BCE and progressed through a variety of kingdoms led by various groups and individuals until the entire region was eventually conquered by Alexander the Great, which started a period of Greek rule from 332 BCE. It was later taken by the Romans in 30 BCE, and that may have be the actual end of Ancient Egypt as we know it.