The Art of Ancient Egypt | Publications for Educators | Explore & Learn

Dynasty 3	The first major stone monument of Egypt is King Djoser's step pyramid, designed by architect Imhotep and built at Saqqara.	View of Saqqara The Step Pyramid of King Djoser (ca. 2630 - 2611 B.C.)
Dynasty 4	Snefru builds Pyramids at Meidum and Dahshur while Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure construct others at Giza. The sphinx was cut from living rock at the side of Khafre's valley temple.	The tomb of Perneb (ca. 2465 - 2323 B.C.)
Dynasty 5	Continuing tradition from Dynasty 4, Mastaba tombs for royal officials at Saqqara and Giza are decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from daily life. Kings build pyramids and sun temples at Abusir. Trade with the Levant (Byblos) is conducted using sea-going ships.
Dynasty 6	Kings build Pyramids at Saqqara and their burial chambers, starting with King Unas (last king of Dynasty 5) are inscribed with spells ("pyramid texts") to help king achieve rebirth in the after-life. Power of provincial administrators increases. Relief-decorated and painted rock-cut tombs occur at many provincial sites. Expeditions into Upper Nubia are initiated to acquire central African goods.	Nikare and his family (ca. 2420 - 2323 B.C.)