This period is characterized by the pyramid construction, including the Saqqara and Giza necropolis
3rd Dynasty (2650-2575 BC)
- Capital city Memphis
- The first pyramids were constructed
- The Step Pyramid of Saqqara built for Pharaoh Zoser by his architect Imhotep
- Pharaohs of the 3th Dynasty
- Sanakhte 2650-2630 BC
- Djoser 2630-2611 BC
- Sekhemkhet 2611-2603 BC
- Khaba
2603-2599 BC - Huni 2599-2575 BC
4th Dynasty (2575-2465 BC)
- Expansionism and pyramid construction in Giza and Dahshur
- Egypt became governed by organized state rules
- Pharaohs of the 4th Dynasty
5th Dynasty 2465-2345 BC
- Relative decline in Pharaonic power and wealth
- Construction of Solar temples and smaller Pyramids at Abusir
- In contrast to cult and funerary temples, worship of the sun god was typically done in open air, not in the small dark rooms in which other gods were reverently housed
- Unas is murdered and Teti founds the 6th Dynasty
- Pharaohs of the 5th Dynasty
- Userkaf2465-2458 BC
- Sahure2458-2446 BC
- Neferirkare2446-2438 BC
- Shepseskare2446-2438 BC
- Neferefre2431-2420 BC
- Niuserre2420-2389 BC
- Menkauhor2389-2381 BC
- Djedkare2381-2353 BC
- Unas2381-2353 BC
