In ancient Egyptian history, the Old Kingdom is the time period that is characterized by the 3rd millennium BC where Egypt gained its first taste of continuous strides in civilization. The era featured a heightened sense of complexity and accomplishment. Egypt is known for undergoing three “Kingdom-like” periods throughout history, and this is the first one acknowledged. During this time, high points regarding the civilization are seen in the lower Nile Valley.
It is the Old Kingdom that is often referred to as the period of time when Egypt ruled between 2686 BC and 2134 BC. During the rule of the Old Kingdom, the royal capital of Egypt was situated in Memphis, which was the handiwork of Djoser, who chose this location to set up his court. The Old Kingdom is often known for the many pyramids that were constructed at this time. The establishment of final resting places for the pharaohs was quite popular during the Old Kingdom. This is why numerous texts refer to the times of the Old Kingdom as the “Age of the Pyramids.”
The Third Dynasty: The Start
The first pharaoh that gained attention in the Old Kingdom days is Djoser (2630 ,2611 BC) who was part of the Third Dynasty. He is the one who ordered the start of the pyramid in Memphis called the Step Pyramid. This would later serve as the necropolis named Saqqara. During the reign of Djoser, his vizier, Imhotep was a rather significant person during this time. The era also signified the times of ancient Egypt where the states were referred to as nomes, where the pharaoh was in complete control.
In later times, former rulers were made to take up the role of governors or were forced to work collecting taxes. Egyptians also made it a habit to worship the pharaoh as if he was god. This was thought to keep the yearly floods, as the people believed that everything worked on a system of cycles. It was also a belief that Pharaohs were placed on the Earth to keep these cycles in balance.
Fourth Dynasty: The Golden Age
The height of power associated with the Old Kingdom truly blossomed during the Fourth Dynasty, which started under the rule of Sneferu (2575-2551 BC). With the help of more stones than any other pharaoh had access to; he was behind the constructing of three pyramids. He is responsible for the Bent Pyramid in Dahshur (which failed), the smaller Red Pyramid in Dahshur, and a pyramid in Meidum that has since collapsed. Khufu succeeded his father (Sneferu) and would build one of the most well known of pyramids – the Great Pyramid of Giza. Unfortunately, ancient Egyptian texts would describe him as a cruel ruler, who tortured his subjects in order to finish his pyramid.
After the passing of Khufu, his sons Djedefra and Khafra entered a quarrel; yet Khafra went on to construct a second pyramid, which people believe became the Sphinx in Giza. Other texts state that it was Djedefra who had the Sphinx built to serve as a monument that would commemorate Khufu. Later kings of the Fourth Dynasty would include Menkaura (2494-2472 BC), who is behind the building of the smallest pyramid in Giza; and Sheseskaf (2472-2467 BC).