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The three pyramids of the Giza Plateau were built early on in Egyptian history, during a period known as the Old Kingdom. The first was constructed for the Pharaoh Khufu, the second for his son Khafre, and the third and smallest, for his son Menkare.
Watch SECRETS OF THE PHARAOHS - Lost City of the Pyramids for more details about who built the Giza Pyramids.
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King Userkaf builds temple for sun-god Ra at Abusir. Ra, giver of life, becomes Egyptian state god. |
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The Pyramid Texts, describing the god Osiris's kingdom of the dead, appear in the pyramid of King Unas. Osiris cult beliefs become widespread. |
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Weakening of centralized government under King Pepy II (2278-2184 BC) and his successors ushers in fragmented social and political climate of the First Intermediate Period. |
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Royal Residence moves from Memphis to Herakleopolis in northern Middle Egypt. Upper Egypt now controlled by Theban rulers. |
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Despite political turmoil, popular culture flourishes, with mass consumption of funeral goods like cartonnages, brightly colored gypsum and linen funeral masks. |
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Mentuhotep II, king of Thebes in southern Upper Egypt, defeats the rulers of Herakleopolis in Middle Egypt, reuniting the country. The Middle Kingdom begins. |
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