Old Kingdom

Overview

The Old Kingdom, also known as the "Age of the Pyramids," is the name given to the period in the third millennium BC when Egypt attained its first continuous peak of civilization in complexity and achievement – the first of three so-called "Kingdom" periods, which mark the high points of civilization in the lower Nile Valley. This period is noted for the construction of many of the pyramids, including the Great Pyramid at Giza.

History

The Old Kingdom is most commonly regarded as the period from the Third Dynasty through to the Sixth Dynasty (2686–2181 BC). Many Egyptologists also include the Memphite Seventh and Eighth Dynasties in the Old Kingdom as a continuation of the administration centralized at Memphis. During the Old Kingdom, the king of Egypt (not called the Pharaoh until the New Kingdom) became a living god who ruled absolutely and could demand the services and wealth of his subjects.

Society and Culture

The Old Kingdom and its royal power reached a zenith under the Fourth Dynasty, which began with Sneferu (2613–2589 BC). Using more stones than any other pharaoh, he built three pyramids: a now collapsed pyramid in Meidum, the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur, and the Red Pyramid, at North Dahshur. However, the full development of the pyramid style of building was reached not at Saqqara, but during the building of the "great pyramids" at Giza.

Architecture

Old Kingdom architecture, most notably the pyramids, reached a zenith during the reign of the Pharaoh Sneferu, who built three pyramids. The most famous of these, the Great Pyramid of Giza, was built for his son and successor, Khufu. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.

Decline

The Old Kingdom rapidly collapsed after the death of Pepi II. He had reigned for more than 64 and likely up to 94 years, longer than any monarch in history. The latter years of his reign were marked by inefficiency because of his advanced age. The decline of the Old Kingdom arguably began before Pepi II, with nomarchs (regional representatives of the king) becoming more powerful during his reign.

See Also

Third Dynasty Fourth Dynasty Sixth Dynasty