The Sixth Dynasty of Egypt was the last dynasty of the Old Kingdom, and its rulers were Teti, Pepi I, Merenre and Pepi II. Pepi II is traditionally said to have reigned for more than ninety years, though this is debated, and his long rule is often associated with a gradual weakening of royal power. Pyramid Texts were inscribed in their burial chambers at Saqqara, and officials such as Weni left autobiographies describing campaigns in Nubia and Canaan and trade expeditions. Provincial governors, who became hereditary, grew more powerful and wealthy, while the cost of the pyramids and temples strained the treasury. Together with possible droughts, this led to the breakdown of central authority and the First Intermediate Period.
Before and after
- 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
- c. 2,300 BCEEruption of Blanco, Cerro
- from c. 2,205 BCE to 1,600 BCEXia dynasty (traditional dates)
More in Civilizations & archaeology
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- c. 700s BCEConstruction of Great Wall of China
- from 206 BCE to 220 CEHan dynasty
- 200 BCEOrigins of Nazca Lines
- 19 BCEConstruction of Western Wall
- from 476 CE to 1492Middle Ages
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 24th century BCE.