Old Kingdom Research Paper

The Old Kingdom of Egypt was a period of time stretching roughly from 2686 BC - 2182 BC, containing the Third - Sixth Dynasties, and sometimes the Memphite Seventh and Eighth Dynasties. Though the exact times are often disputed, everyone agrees that this time period was filled with many early civilization advancements, and it is the first of three kingdom periods of the Nile Valley. The other two being the Middle Kingdom, 2050 BC - 1800 BC, and the New Kingdom, 1570 BC -1544 BC. Otherwise known as the “Age of the Pyramids” for the numerous pyramid and statue construction of the time, the Old Kingdom was also a period of relatively stable rule under kingships (pharoahs). However, the problems of the Old Kingdom lead to the collapse of a system …show more content…
The Third and Fourth Dynasties were extremely prosperous, and only became so through the ability to control and organize people. Multitudes of workers and organization was needed to build pyramids and statues. These workers however, were not necessarily slaves, but highly skilled craftsmen who were able to undertake large projects because of the stability and wealth around them. So, what kind of problems could destroy such a prosperous and stable era? Many things contributed, including multiple years without the annual Nile flood, which brought about a decrease in agricultural production and caused many to question the Pharaoh's power. It can be argued that one main factor was the rise in power of nomarchs, or provincial officials. As the position of nomarchs grew to be hereditary, and wealth was passed down by generations, they began to grow increasingly powerful to the point where they acted independent of the king and started wars among themselves (Colorado State). The elite class was also intent on distancing itself from the commoner classes as