5th Dynasty(2465-2323) For the first time high officials came from people outside of the royal family. The pyramids begin to be smaller and less solid. However, the carvings in the temples were of great quality. Papyrus scrolls from this time have been di
3100 BC The legendary king, Menes, unites the two kingdoms of Egypt
The political structure of the Old Kingdom collapsed. There was famine, civil disorder, and a high death rate
Capitol moves from Memphis to Herakleopolis in northern Middle Egypt - Upper Egypt controlled by Theban rulers
Many records of trading expeditions have been discovered from this period
About 2700 BCE Pyramid-building period; largest pyramids built for Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus
