Old Kingdom Old Kingdom

The First and Second Dynasties ruled Egypt for about four centuries (400 years). Around 2700 BC, the Third Dynasty rose to power. Its rule began the Old Kingdom, a period of Egyptian history that lasted from 2700 BC to 2200 BC.

During the old Kingdom, the Egyptians continued to develop their political system. This system was based on the belief that pharaohs were both king and a god.

The ancient Egyptians believed that Egypt belonged to the gods The ancient Egyptians believed that Egypt belonged to the gods. They believed that the pharaoh came to earth to manage Egypt for the rest of the gods. Therefore he had absolute power over the land and people.

The most famous pharaoh of the Old Kingdom was Khufu (Koo-foo), who ruled in the 2500s BC. Egyptian legend says that he was cruel, but historical records tell us that the people who worked for him were well fed. Khufu is best known for the monuments that were built to him.

Social Structure http://my.hrw.com/ss_2012/ms_whist12/eactivities/Animation/wh04_egyptsocial.html