Final answer:
The Late Period of Egyptian history, ending around 332 BCE, is the closest to the beginning of the colonial era, starting in the 15th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the four options provided, the period of Egyptian history that occurred closest to the beginning of the colonial era is the Late Period. The Late Period of Egyptian history, ending around 332 BCE, is the closest to the beginning of the colonial era, starting in the 15th century. The Old Kingdom (c. 2680–2200 BCE), Middle Kingdom (c. 2040–1720 BCE), and New Kingdom (c. 1550–1150 BCE) preceded the Late Period.
The New Kingdom, known as the Egyptian Empire, was followed by the Third Intermediate Period and then eventually the Late Period, which ended around 332 BCE with the arrival of Alexander the Great. The colonial era is often considered to have started in the 15th century, making the Late Period of Egyptian history the closest to the onset of this era.