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--- Old Kingdom --- |
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The Egyptian civilization witnessed a significant
progress in fields of architecture, art and agriculture.
It was Djoser (Also known as Netjerykhet or Zoser or Tosorthos) who built
the first pyramid of its kind in Egypt at Saqqara, the great step pyramid.
And it was his vizier, engineer and architect Imhotep, who was responsible
fo this task. Imhotep was a high priest of God Ptah as well.
The building was part of a big complex at Saqqara. The complex includes
also temples, halls and gazebos, corridors.
Djoser also fought conquerors on eastern (nomads) and western borders
(Libyans) and sent military campaigns to Nubia in the south.
Afterwards pyramids became a phenomenon of Old Kingdom kings, as each of
them tended to build one at least to immortalize his name.
Sekhemkhet (r. 2611 - 2603) built an unfinished pyramid in Saqqara. His
successor Huni (r. 2599 - 2575) built a pyramid in Meidum, 50 km (31
miles) south of Saqqara. This pyramid was probably completed by King
Snefru, as Huni died before completing it.
He married Meresankh who gave born to Snefru, the first king of the fourth
dynasty. |
King Snefru (a.k.a. Snofru or Soris in Greek) (r. 2575 -
2551) was an innovative military leader.
Snefru
He sent military punitive campaigns against Nubians and Libyans. He forged
trade relationships with Mediterranean nations and built a big fleet that
he sent to the Syrian and Lebanese coasts to import cedar wood needed for
his establishments.
Snefru completed Huni's pyramid at Meidum and erected 2 other pyramids of
his own at Dahshur, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid which is
considered as the first true pyramid in terms of flawless building. He
married Hetepheres, who became mother of King Khufu.
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Khufu (r. 2551 - 2528) is the owner of the Great pyramid
of Giza, one of the only remaining structures of the Seven Wonders of the
World.
Khufu (Cheops or Suphis I in Greek) married Queen Meritates who gave birth
to the soon-to-be-heir Kewab. He also married Queen Henutsen who could be
the mother of Prince Khafre. It is believed that Radjedef, Khufu's son,
had Kewab, the rightful heir and his brother, killed and overtook the
power. Radjedef's rule was short and unremarkable. However he built a
small pyramid of his own at Abu Rawash.
Khafre (Chephren or Suphis II in Greek) (r. 2520 - 2494) then took over.
He erected the second pyramid of Giza as well as Sphinx. He was renowned
for his autocracy, because of which he was hated. He married 3 wives. One
of his wives, probably Queen Persenti, bore him Menkaure'.
Menkaure (Mycerinus or Mencheres in Greek) (r. 2490 - 2472) is said to be
a devout Pharaoh,
unlike his predecessors who were somewhat considered as tyrants. Menkaure
added his own pyramid to his ancestors at Giza plateau. His principal
wife, Khamerernebty probably bore him Prince Shepseskaf.
Shepseskaf ruled for about 5 years that featured a discontentment between
his priests over his handling of religion. He built a mastaba in southern
Saqqara, currently known as Mastabet Fara'oun. The dynasty may have ended
by the rule of Queen Khentkawes.
By the end of Shepseskaf's rule at around 2467 BC, the great fourth
dynasty ended to carve a landmark in Egypt's ancient history.
The worshiping of the God Ra or Re was strengthened in this dynasty. As we
can see from the syllable Re attached to several names of the kings who
ruled Egypt in that period.
During his short rule, Userkaf (a.k.a. Weserkaf) (r. 2465 - 2458) built a
pyramid attached to a mortuary temple at Saqqara. He also built a temple
for sun god Re at Abu Ghurab. Historians tend to believe that he
established trade with south Europe, especially Greece, as traces of his
name was found there.
Sahure' (r. 2458 - 2446) was the first of the fifth dynasty to build a
pyramid complex at Abu Sir. He also erected a Re temple in the same area
at Abu Ghurab. He sent fleets to Syrian coast bringing cedar wood. He also
sent a punitive campaign to fight nomad tribes in Sinai and another
campaign to Nubia to fight Nubians. His campaign to the Punt (now Somalia
or Ethiopia) brought him ebony, incense and gold. Sahure is believed to
have married queen Khentkawes who apparently ruled by the 4th dynasty.
Kakai (r. 2446 - 2426), probably Sahure' s brother, followed his
ancestor's steps in building a tomb complex at Abu Sir including an
unfinished pyramid.
Few are known about the following kings; Shepseskare and Raneferef.
However Raneferef erected a small pyramid at Abu Sir.
Niuserre built a pyramid for himself at Abu Sir and a solar temple (for
Re) at Abu Ghurab (north of Saqqara). He also fought Libyans and Asiatics.
Menkauhor, according to inscriptions, built a pyramid and a solar temple.
Nonetheless, they were not found.
Djedkare (r. 2388 - 2356) then built a pyramid complex south of Saqqara.
Inscriptions mentioned his mining expedition to Wadi Maghara. He is also
said to have sent a trade expedition to Punt.
Unas (a.k.a. Wenis) (r. 2356 - 2323) also sent trade expeditions. A famine
struck the country in his reign. He made a pyramid-tomb for himself at
Saqqara. They found for the first time what they call the "pyramid texts"
(Special prayers and advises about the afterlife, the texts including
magical spells).
Teti (r. 2323 - 2291) erected his pyramidal complex at Saqqara, northeast
of Userkaf's pyramid. They found remains of his mummy at his pyramid. He
might have ruled for 12 years before his uncertain death. Iput, his queen,
is the most famous among his wives. Teti's pyramid from inside is a real
piece of art since it comprises magnificent sculptures describing daily
life of ancient Egyptians in the Old Kingdom.
Pepi I (r. 2289 - 2255) is the natural heir of Teti and his son from Queen
Iput.
He married 2 daughters of a senior statesman: Ankhnesmeryre who bore him
Merenre and the other one is Ankhnesmeryre II who bore him Pepi II. Both
of his two sons succeeded him consecutively.
Pepi was also a unique military leader who led Egypt to preserve its
solidarity against invaders.
Asiatics increased their battles against Egyptians from the East to the
extent that they prevented mining expeditions to Sinai. Weni, a remarkable
general of Pepi's army, commanded the army a number of times in wars
against Asiatics. The Egyptian army to Sinai and Palestine to beat the
rebels.
Weni built a tomb for himself in Abydos in which he describes the
victories of the Egyptian army. He narrated his stories in a form of
beautiful poems. He spoke proudly of his soldiers' behavior, saying that
they didn't attack civilians neither took food of villages they passed by.
Weni investigated a plot by queen Weret-Imtes, Pepi's wife. However he
doesn't disclose details about the outcome of the trial.
Pepi built a number of temples and a pyramid at Saqqara. In his pyramid
they found a basalt-made sarcophagus contains bone remains.
Merenre (r. 2255 - 2246) succeeded his father Pepi but ruled Egypt for a
short period as he is believed to have been ill. During his reign Weni was
given a higher position as the governor of upper Egypt. He took over an
assignment to cut channels beside the Nile at Aswan.
Merenre was buried in his pyramid at Saqqara. They found his
well-preserved mummy in the pyramid.
Pepi II (r. 2246 - 2152) succeeded his brother Merenre in the reign. He
was only 6 years old when he held the power.
Harkhuf succeed Weni in leading expeditions in the south. A story
describes Harkhuf's capture for a dancing dwarf. He then reported to King
Pepi II, the child, about his little gift. Pepi II responded by promising
him of rewards if he brought the dwarf safely to him. Pepi II also ordered
the governors of various regions to take care of, and assist, Harkhuf as
he passes by.
The story was recored at Harkhuf's tomb in Aswan.
When Pepi became older, he sent a senior official called Pepynakht Hekayib
in expeditions to suppress Nubian rebels. Egyptians were also building
ships at the Red Sea coast in order to launch expeditions to Punt. They
used a port called Kuser of this purpose. Pepynakht was buried in his tomb
at Aswan.
Pepi II ruled for 94 years, one of the longest reigns in ancient Egypt.
As a result of his long rule, the country plunged in turmoil. Pepi was
weak enough to quell strong princes of different regions. Moreover a
famine struck the country and illness spread all over. Gangs appeared
everywhere and people left their homes.
After the death of the king, it was difficult to preserve the unity of the
country. Some historians mention names of kings who said to have succeeded
Pepi II, but nothing is confirmed about this information. Pepi II was
buried at his pyramid in Saqqara.
Finally the unrest resulted into the collapse of the dynasty and the end
of the Old Kingdom.
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