The Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE) was Egypt's first great period of power and prosperity.

This era is most famous for the construction of the massive pyramids at Giza and elsewhere.

The first pyramid, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, was built for the pharaoh Djoser by the architect Imhotep.

Pyramids served as elaborate tombs for the pharaohs, who were considered gods on Earth.

The construction of these monuments required a strong, centralized government to organize and command vast resources and labor.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, built for Khufu, was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.

The workforce for the pyramids consisted of skilled laborers and peasants, not slaves as is commonly believed.

Old Kingdom art was characterized by a formal, idealized style intended to convey eternal stability.

The pharaoh held absolute power, and a complex bureaucracy of officials and scribes administered the kingdom.

The Old Kingdom eventually collapsed due to factors including famine, political disputes, and the growing power of regional governors.