The Fifth Dynasty of Egypt was a ruling line of the Old Kingdom, following the great pyramid-builders of the Fourth Dynasty. Its kings, from Userkaf to Unas, built smaller pyramids at Abusir and Saqqara, and they raised distinctive sun temples that reflect the growing importance of the sun god Ra in royal belief. The pyramid of Unas, the last king, is the first to carry the Pyramid Texts, a collection of spells inscribed on the burial chamber walls. Records from this period, including papyri from the temple archives at Abusir, show a state sending expeditions to Sinai and trading with distant lands. Over time, powerful officials and provincial governors gained influence, which weakened royal authority and helped prepare the end of the Old Kingdom.
Before and after
- c. 2,560 BCEConstruction of Great Pyramid of Giza
- c. 2,510s BCEConstruction of Pyramid of Menkaure
- from 26th century BCE to 20th century BCELagash
- from c. 2,500 BCE to 64 BCEPhoenicia
- from c. 2,498 BCE to 2,345 BCEFifth Dynasty of Egypt
- c. 2,360 BCEOrigins of Pyramid of Unas
- from c. 2,345 BCE to 2,181 BCESixth Dynasty of Egypt
- from c. 2,334 BCE to 2,154 BCEAkkadian Empire
- from c. 2,300 BCE to 1,000 BCEAndronovo culture
More in Civilizations & archaeology
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- c. 1,051 BCEThe Phoenician alphabet spreads
- from c. 753 BCE to 476 CEAncient Rome
- 323 BCEConstruction of Temple of Ephesian Artemis
- from 312 BCE to 63 BCESeleucid Empire
- from 279 BCE to 1480Construction of Lighthouse of Alexandria
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 25th century BCE.