Egyptian Art: Old Kingdom 2649-2134BC

History of Art 101 Recitation Three: Week of September 23

The period we call the Old Kingdom began with kings of the 3rd Dynasty (2649-2575). Djoser was the second king of the 3rd Dynasty. He ruled from 2630 to 2611BC and is perhaps best known as the builder of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the oldest stone building of its size in the world. Before Djoser built this monumental complex, Saqqara was already the home of mastaba tombs of the 1st Dynasty (2920-2770). These tombs differed from Djoser's in that they were smaller structures built of sun-dried bricks. Tombs continued to be built at Saqqara during the 2nd Dynasty (2770-2649) but they were generally smaller. Djoser's Step Pyramid was the first pyramid in Egyptian history. Imhotep was the probable architect of the Step Pyramid and held the titles of a master sculptor among others. The pyramid was only one structure in a complex of buildings. Click on the photo of the Step Pyramid below to view a plan of the whole complex.

The Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser

The rulers of the 4th Dynasty (2575-2134) are perhaps best known for the Great Pyramids at Giza. While these massive testaments to power would seem to indicate stability, the period was also one of change and political conflict. Khufu (2551-2528) built the first and largest of the three Pyramids at Giza. It is aptly called the Great Pyramid and covers an area of 230m sq and was originally 146m high. His son Khephren(2520-2494) built the second Pyramid which covers an area of 214.5m sq and rises to a height of 143.5m. Menkaure (2490-2472) built the third Pyramid which is of a notably smaller size. It covers an area of 105m sq and was originally 65.5m high. Like Djoser's Step Pyramid each Pyramid was only part of a complex of many buildings. Click on the photo above to see the Three Pyramids at Giza.
5th Dynasty (2465-2323) 6th Dynasty (2323-2150) 7th/8th Dynasty (2150-2134)
For additional images and further discussion, please follow the link to History of Art 223: Egyptian Art
Last modified on February 21, 1996
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