Fourth Dynasty of Egypt
Fourth Dynasty of Egypt | |||||||||
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| c. 2613 BC–c. 2498 BC | |||||||||
| Capital | Memphis | ||||||||
| Common languages | Egyptian language | ||||||||
| Religion | Ancient Egyptian religion | ||||||||
| Government | Absolute monarchy | ||||||||
| Historical era | Bronze Age | ||||||||
• Established | c. 2613 BC | ||||||||
• Disestablished | c. 2498 BC | ||||||||
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| Periods and dynasties of ancient Egypt |
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All years are BC |
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See also: List of pharaohs by period and dynasty Periodization of ancient Egypt |
The Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt (notated Dynasty IV) is characterized as a "golden age" of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Dynasty IV lasted from c. 2613 to c. 2498 BC. It was a time of peace and prosperity as well as one during which trade with other countries is officially documented.
The Fourth Dynasty heralded the height of the pyramid-building age. The peaceful rule of the Third Dynasty allowed artistic expressions to flourish. Building experiments done by King Sneferu led to the evolution of mastaba tombs into the smooth sided pyramids like those seen on the Giza Plateau. No other period in Egyptian history equaled the accomplishments achieved during the Fourth Dynasty.