First Intermediate Period

The First Intermediate Period, often referred to as the Dark Period in Egyptian history included the 7th-11th dynasties. There is very little monumental evidence that survives from this period as it was a time in history where rule of Egypt was roughly divided between two competing power bases. The first base was at Heracleopolis in Lower Egypt and the other base was at Thebes in Upper Egypt. Being the Dark Period instead of progressing forward as a civilization Egypt slipped backwards. Temples were pillaged and violated, their existing artwork was vandalized, and the statues of kings were broken or destroyed as a result of political chaos. During the 11th dynasty Upper and Lower Egypt were reunited under a Theban king.

While some of the causes of the downfall of the Old Kingdom are merely hypothetical, one reason that is often used is the extremely long reign of Pepi II. Pepi II was the last major pharaoh of the 6th Dynasty who ruled until he was 94 years old. Pepi II outlived many of his heirs and therefore created problems with succession in the royal household. Amidst the disorganization the Old Kingdom disintegrated. Provincial nomarchs also arose as a problem as their power grew. Towards the end of the Old Kingdom the positions of the nomarchs had became hereditary. As these nomarchs grew increasingly powerful and influential they became more independent from the king. As they raised their own armies intense rivalries and warfare arose between regions. With a dryer climate due to the Nile's recent low flood plain dissolution of centralized kingship increased.

For more First Intermediate Period intense information go here.

7th Dynasty Rulers

c. 2181-? BC

Netrikare

Menkare

Neferkare II

Neferkare III

Djedkare II

Neferkare IV

Merenhor

Menkamin I

Nikare

Neferkare V

Neferkahor

8th Dynasty Rulers

c. ?-2125 BC

Neferkare VI

Neferkamin II

Ibi I

Neferkaure

Neferkauhor

Neferirkare II

9th & 10th Dynasty Rulers

Herakleoplitan Rulers:

c. 2160-2025 BC

Khety Meryibre

Khety Wahkare

Merykare

Ity

11th Dynasty Rulers

Ruled At Thebes:

c. 2125-2025 BC

Mentuhotep I

Inyotef I (Sehertawy)

Inyotef II (Wahankh)

Inyotef III (Nakhtnebtepnefer)

Ruled A United Egypt:

c. 2055-1985 BC

Mentuhotep II

Mentuhotep III (Sankhkare)

Mentuhotep IV (Nebtawyre)