Ancient Egypt - Old Kingdom
Dynasties Three to Six (2700-2190 BC)
This period covers DYNASTIES Three to Six, a formative period with many innovations. At this time the basis of the future civilization of Egypt was established. The great technological advances reached during this period are best demonstrated in the construction of the great pyramids at GIZA.
DOUBLE STATUE OF NIMAATSED MERESANKH AND HIS TWO DAUGHTERS
The first king whose reign ushered in this new epoch was ZOSER and it is his architect IMHOTEP who constructed at SAQQARA the first step pyramid with its great enclosure wall containing many buildings connected with the ritual ceremonies performed by the king. MEMPHIS remained the political capital and organized central administration. But, towards the end of that period central authority disintegrated and Egypt fell into a state of rapid decline. The downfall of the Old Kingdom was brought after the reign of PEPI II, during his reign the central administration ultimately collapsed. It was thought that the increase in power of the provincial governors had led to the country's political fragmentation. However it has been suggested recently that the increase in rank and titles of provincial governors was the result of governmental reforms
KING NEFEREFRE KA-APER CALLED "SHEIKH EL-BELED"