Part 1

The Early Dynastic Period and the Old Kingdom

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Pre-Dynastic Period:-

Ancient Egypt is known to be one of the earliest civilisations of human history. It was located in Northeast Africa, on the coastline of the River Nile and Nile Delta. It was divided into two parts Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt, branched out into several kingdoms ruled by their chiefs. The era lasted from 6000 to 3100 BCE, but no inscription was found before the dynastic period.

River Nile and Delta Nile provided them with resources and fertile lands to thrive. Most of the people were farmers and it was an agricultural society which nurtured their development and became one of the most powerful civilizations.

Early Dynastic Period

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First Pharaoh: King Menes:-

The early dynastic period is marked by the conquest of Lower Egypt by King Menes (Ruler of Upper Egypt) and the merging of all the chiefdoms. King Menes also known as Narmer unified Egypt into a single centralized state in 3100 BCE, declared the first dynasty of a total of 31 dynasties and became the first ruler of unified Egypt – a pharaoh. During his reign, massive construction projects were allocated and tremendous advancements in arts and urbanization process.

The first woman to govern: Princess Merneith:-

Princess Merneith came into power after the death of her husband (Pharaoh Djet). Her rule is debatable among Egyptologists as to whether she was a Pharaoh or served as a regent for her son Pharaoh Den. Pharaoh Den ascended the throne after his mother and was believed to be the most influential Pharaoh of the first dynasty.

Second dynasty:-

Pharaoh Raneb is credited with emphasizing the divine nature of monarchs with God. Another Pharaoh, Khasekhemwy is known for his artwork in Hierakonopolis and Abydos. He is also the father of Pharaoh Djoser.

Third dynasty:-

Pharaoh Djoser is associated with being the founder of the third dynasty. He is famously known for laying the foundations of pyramids for future Pharaohs and builders. He crafted the Pyramid of Djoser (the first-ever pyramid) in the city of Saqqara. It is also known as the “Step pyramid”. It showcases the exceptional mastery of third-dynasty builders.

The Old Kingdom

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Transition to True Pyramid:-

The old kingdom begins with the 4th dynasty and is also known as the “Age of Pyramids”. Pharaoh Huni (the last King of the third dynasty) constructed a step pyramid known as the Huni Pyramid or Meidum Pyramid but under the rule of Pharaoh Sneferu the pyramid’s steps were increased from 7 to 8 and it was covered in limestone for a smoother surface. Later, Pharaoh Sneferu developed the Bent Pyramid which marked the transition from step pyramids to smoother surfaced pyramids but due to angle concerns in later construction, they changed the angle, due to which it appeared bent. After that, Sneferu built the Red Pyramid – the first true pyramid. The limestone used in its construction had a reddish hue and it was third largest pyramid.

The era of Pharaoh Khufu:-

Pharaoh Khufu’s reign is considered the pinnacle of Egyptian architecture. During his rule, he expanded the borders of Egypt and boosted the economy through agriculture. The expansion and advancement in agriculture summed up riches to their treasury. Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops) is credited with forming the first dam in human history.

Furthermore, he developed one of the wonders of Earth – The Great Pyramid of Giza. Although
the purpose of pyramids is not known it is believed to be tombs of the Pharaohs. It is built near the city of Cairo modern-day Egypt’s capital.

Pharaoh Khafre:-

He’s the son of Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Chephren) and the fourth ruler of the dynasty. He’s famously known for constructing the second-largest pyramid. He’s also associated with the Great Sphinx of Giza (a monolithic monument) though it’s debatable among Egyptologists as some believe Pharaoh Djedefre constructed it. The Great Sphinx of Giza consists of a lion’s body and a human face believed to be of Pharaoh Khafre.

Pharaoh Menkaure:-

Pharaoh Menkaure‘s period shows a gradual downfall of resources and art as pyramids built during his reign were smaller in size, still, he was able to build high-quality pyramids and to come par with his father and grandfather. He furthermore erected a sculpture (Menkaure and Queen) showcasing him and his wife.

How were pyramids constructed:-

Although how pyramids were created remains a mystery, there are a lot of theories. Historians suggest pyramids were built by skilled workers, not slaves. Skilled workers (artists, carpenters transport workers and more) were paid heavy sums by the state. There were experts in every aspect of construction and brewers were part of the force as it was considered a daily ration in ancient Egypt. These were typically women but at large scale, men also contributed.

Common people’s lifestyle:-

Women as early as the age of 12 and men 15 were married. Farmers were peasants who worked on farms and lived in houses they didn’t even own and were given a percentage of crops by the landowners. Landowners were typically the nobilities, priests and Pharaohs. They used to live on vegetables as meat was expensive and only the rich were able to afford them. The Egyptians used to play various games too for example senet and mehen.

The First Intermediate Period:-

Intermediate points are the times when there was unrest among people and an unstable central government. In the first intermediate period, no pyramids were constructed due to a lack of resources and labour because there was no single powerful government in Egypt. The ancient main city of Memphis was abandoned and Kings were unable to control it till the 11th dynasty. Herakleopolis was the new main city and a new leader emerged “Intef I” from Thebes. He founded the 11th dynasty and Intef II (Title: “Intef the Mighty”) and Intef III fought the Kings of Herakleopolis and the son of Intef III known as Mentuhotep II reunited Egypt.