ABSTRACT
The IIIrd and IVth Dynasties are called Memphite by Manetho. The political centre shifts from Thinis to Memphis and Heliopolis, and a new period begins—the Memphite Old Kingdom. It comprises the IIIrd and VIIIth Dynasties and covers rather more than five hundred years, roughly from 2895 to 2360. In respect of the kingship, two processes appear: first, a steady development ending in the full maturity of an autocratic monarchy by right divine, from the IIIrd to the Vth Dynasty (2895-2540), described in the present chapter, and then the decline of the royal authority, under the assaults of the priests and nobles, who set themselves up on the ruins of the autocratic monarchy (VIth to VIIIth Dynasty, 2540-2360). A period of confusion follows; the country is at the mercy of factions and foreigners, a revolution jeopardizes the very existence of Egypt, and, after two centuries (about 2360-2160), a new political and social order is established (Chap. III).
