The progression of ancient Egypt during the Third Dynasty was marked by the emergence of the infamous monumental buildings known as pyramids. This would be the first appearance of such architecture in the world. The pyramids served as tombs for their nobles and would later be looked at as one of the most intriguing artistic achievements in history. In this article, you will learn more about Third Dynasty happenings and rulers.
Third Dynasty (2686 to 2613 BC)
The Third Dynasty marked increasing changes for Egypt, where ancient states that were formally independent started to become referred to as nomes, which were the rule of the pharaoh. The previous rulers lost their power and were forced to assume the role of governors or work as tax collectors. At the time, the pharaoh was looked upon as a god, and worshipped accordingly. The people also believed that the pharaoh had the power to make sure the annual flooding of the Nile took place so that their crops would flourish.
During the Third Dynasty, one of the most influential kings of ancient Egypt ruled. Below you will find details regarding this pharaoh, as well as others from this time period:
Sanakht
Information regarding Sanakht’s place in the royal family tree is not clear. Some say that he was married to Queen Nimaethap. There is also debate as to when he actually ruled. Some believed that he was a ruler during the second half of the Third Dynasty after Djoser, which would position him as pharaoh after his son Djoser.
Evidence regarding his rule comes in the form of a mastaba tomb, the Turin Canon, archeological objects from Abydos, and records by Egyptian priest historian Manetho. Some discoveries point to Djoser as the ruler who assisted in the burial of Khasekhemwy and not Sanakht. Seals found at the entrance to the tomb show Djoser’s name.
Djoser
One of the more popular kings of ancient Egypt was Djoser, as indicated by his step pyramid located at Saqqara, which became the first of its kind , a large stone building. He ordered the construction of the stunning pyramid. It was his tomb that would influence the pyramids that followed him. Many consider Djoser the first pharaoh of the Old Kingdom that’s worth mentioning.
Djoser ruled somewhere between 2691 and 2625 BC with many controversies surrounding the actual time frame of his reign. During his rule, Djoser is responsible for launching a handful of military expeditions to the Sinai Peninsula, as well as sent out people to mine for valued minerals, such as copper and turquoise.
Artifacts left behind from Djoser’s reign include a painted limestone statue of the pharaoh, which can be seen today at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This commemoration is known as the oldest known life-sized Egyptian statue in existence.
Sekhemkhet
Ruling around seven years, Sekhemkhet (whose name translates into “Powerful in Body”) is believed to have reigned over Egypt from about 2648 BC until 2640 BC. Sekhemkhet was married to Queen Djeseretnebti, and together, the two gave birth to Khaba, who became Sekhemkhet’s successor.