Old Kingdom of Egypt

Old Kingdom of Egypt was a state in Egypt (North and West Africa) that lasted from c. 2686 to 2181 BCE, about 505 years. Its people spoke Egyptian languages (Ancient Egyptian, Coptic).

The age of the pyramids. Djoser's step pyramid and the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza were built by a strong central state. Drought and powerful provincial governors brought it down.

See Old Kingdom of Egypt on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 2686 to 2181 BCE
Duration: 505 years
Type: State
Region: Egypt, North and West Africa
Language family: Egyptian
Capital: Memphis

Came from

Early Dynastic Egypt c. 3100 to 2686 BCE

Became

First Intermediate Period c. 2181 to 2055 BCE

Events in North and West Africa during its time

2560 BCE Great Pyramid of Giza

Neighbours in North and West Africa

Kingdom of Kerma c. 2500 to 1500 BCE
Early Dynastic Egypt c. 3100 to 2686 BCE
Land of Punt c. 2500 to 980 BCE
First Intermediate Period c. 2181 to 2055 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Minoan civilization c. 3100 to 1450 BCE, Europe
Akkadian Empire c. 2334 to 2154 BCE, Middle East

Questions

When did Old Kingdom of Egypt exist?

c. 2686 to 2181 BCE, about 505 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Old Kingdom of Egypt?

Egypt, in North and West Africa. Its capital was Memphis.

What language did Old Kingdom of Egypt speak?

Egyptian. This family includes Ancient Egyptian, Coptic.

What came before Old Kingdom of Egypt?

Early Dynastic Egypt.

What came after Old Kingdom of Egypt?

First Intermediate Period.