These monumental feats of engineering were
constructed during the 4th Dynasty by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafra and
Menkaure. However, the first stone pyramid used for burial was constructed
during the reign of the Pharaoh Djoser in the 3rd Dynasty. Consequently the
3rd Dynasty is generally accepted as marking the start of the Egyptian Old
Kingdom. Prior to this time bodies of the Pharaohs were entombed in brick
built mastabas but that of Djoser was buried in the first stone built
structure intended to last for eternity.
The Egyptians decorated their tomb walls with
pictures of everyday life and images of food and drink to ensure that the
deceased would be provided for in the afterlife.
The Egyptian Old Kingdom
The Egyptian Old Kingdom covers the period of
history between 2686BC - 2181BC.
Perhaps the most lasting image of the Egyptian
Old Kingdom is the legacy of the Pyramids at Giza.
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