Known rulers, in the History of Egypt, for the Third Dynasty.
The Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Dynasties of ancient Egypt are often combined under the group title, Old Kingdom.
Name | Dates | Comments |
---|---|---|
Djoser | 2686–2658 BC (28 years) | Commissioned the Step Pyramid designed by Imhotep. |
Sanakhte | 2658–2649 BC (9 years) | Likely to be identified with the throne name Nebka. |
Sekhemkhet | 2649–2643 BC (6 years) | |
Khaba | 2643–2637 BC (6 years) | Could be identical with Huni. |
Huni | 2637–2613 BC (24 years) | Could be the same as Qahedjet or Khaba. |
While Manetho names one Necherophes, and the Turin King List names Nebka, as the first pharaoh of the Third Dynasty of Egypt, many contemporary Egyptologists believe Djoser was the first king of this dynasty, pointing out that the order in which some predecessors of Khufu are mentioned in the Papyrus Westcar suggests that Nebka should be placed between Djoser and Huni, and not before Djoser. More importantly seals naming Djoser was found at the entrance to Khasekhemwy's tomb at Abydos which demonstrates that it was rather Djoser, rather than Sanakhte who buried and succeeded this king. The Turin King List scribe wrote Djoser's name in red ink which indicates the Ancient Egyptians recognition of this king's historical importance in their culture.
In any case, Djoser is the best known king of this dynasty, for commissioning his vizier Imhotep to build the earliest surviving pyramids, the Step Pyramid. Some authorities believe that Imhotep lived into the reign of the Pharaoh Huni.
Little is known for certain of Sekhemkhet. However, it is believed that Khaba possibly built the Layer Pyramid at Zawiyet el-Aryan.
Preceded by: 2nd Dynasty |
Old Kingdom 3rd Dynasty |
Succeeded by: 4th Dynasty |