The Old Kingdom

Time Period

The Old Kingdom lasted from 2686 B.C. to 2181 B.C. It included the 3rd through the 6th dynasty.

First Pharaoh

The first pharaoh of the Old Kingdom was Djoser, who ruled Egypt from 2630-2611 B.C. He was responsible for the construction of one of the very first pyramids ever built by the ancient Egyptians. His “step” pyramid at Saqqara started the Egyptian tradition of constructing pyramids as burial places for pharaohs.

Djoser's Ka Chamber© Vincent Brown – Djoser’s Ka Chamber

Dynasties/Rulers

Third Dynasty Rulers included:

  • Sanakht
  • Djoser
  • Sekhemkhet
  • Huni

Fourth Dynasty Rulers included:

  • Snefru
  • Khufu
  • Radjedef
  • Khafre
  • Menkaura
  • Shepseskaf

Statue of Pharaoh Khufu© JMCC1 – Statue of Khufu

Fifth Dynasty Rulers included:

  • Userkaf
  • Sahura
  • Neferirkara Kakai
  • Shepseskara Isi
  • Raneferef
  • Nyuserra
  • Menkauhor
  • Djedkara Isesi
  • Unas

Sixth Dynasty Rulers included:

  • Teti
  • Userkara
  • Pepy I
  • Merenra
  • Pepy II
  • Nitiqret

Construction and Tombs

  • During the Old Kingdom, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx were constructed due to a long-standing peaceful period.
  • This time period was known as the “Age of Pyramids”.
  • Snefru converted The Pyramid of Meidum, originally a step pyramid, into a smooth sided pyramid we recognize today. He also built the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur.
  • The 5th dynasty brought about pyramids that were smaller and less substantial than those from the 4th dynasty, however, carvings in the mortuary temples during the 5th dynasty were of extremely high-quality.
  • The last important monument built during the Old Kingdom was the Pyramid of Pepi II at Saqqara.

Giza Pyramid Complex© Bruno Girin – The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure

Religion

  • The Pharaoh, as well as the people of Egypt, offered allegiance to Re, the sun and creator god. The pharaoh performed rituals so that the Nile would continue to flood, which was the lifeblood of Egypt.
  • The Pharaoh, or king, was the most important figurehead in ancient Egypt. He owned the land and ruled all of the people of Egypt. He also served as Head Priest and commander-in-chief of the Egyptian army.
  • In the Old Kingdom, only the Pharaoh was believed to have an afterlife.

Culture

  • Women were highly respected in the Old Kingdom. They owned land and passed it down to their daughters. A pharaoh could only become king after marrying the previous king’s daughter.
  • Despite popular belief, the pyramids were not built by slaves, but by laborers who willingly worked on the structures.
  • Only priests wrote because it was considered sacred. It was believed that writing a person’s name gave them more power. Speaking the pharaoh’s name was strictly forbidden.
  • Pyramids were built on the west side of the Nile where the sun set so the Pharaoh could more easily meet with Re in the afterlife.
  • The capital city of the Old Kingdom was Memphis.