The Seventh Dynasty is a doubtful dynasty of ancient Egypt, placed at the end of the Old Kingdom after the collapse of central authority under the late Sixth Dynasty. The Greek-language historian Manetho, writing much later, claimed that seventy kings reigned for seventy days, which historians generally regard as an exaggeration or a way of describing political chaos. Modern scholars debate whether a separate Seventh Dynasty existed at all, or whether it was a short line of Memphite rulers merged with the Eighth Dynasty. What is clear is that the royal power centred on Memphis was weakened, provincial governors gained independence, and the country entered the First Intermediate Period.
Before and after
- c. 2,300 BCEEruption of Blanco, Cerro
- from c. 2,205 BCE to 1,600 BCEXia dynasty (traditional dates)
- from c. 2,200 BCE to 1,700 BCEBactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex
- from c. 2,181 BCE to 2,055 BCEFirst Intermediate Period of Egypt
- c. 2,181 BCERise of Seventh Dynasty of Egypt
- from c. 2,180 BCE to 350 CEKingdom of Kush
- from c. 2,160 BCE to 2,050 BCENinth Dynasty of Egypt
- from c. 2,150 BCE to 1,991 BCEEleventh Dynasty of Egypt
- 22nd century BCEConstruction of Ziggurat of Ur
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- from 31st century BCE to 14th century BCEConstruction of Stonehenge
- c. 2,560 BCEConstruction of Great Pyramid of Giza
- 600 BCEFounding of Milan
- 80 CEThe Colosseum is inaugurated
- from 285 CE to 1453Byzantine Empire
- 25 March 421 CEFounding of Venice
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 22nd century BCE.