Eighth Dynasty of Egypt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eighth Dynasty of Egypt
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| ca. 2181 BC–ca. 2160 BC | |||||||||||||
| Capital | Memphis | ||||||||||||
| Common languages | Egyptian language | ||||||||||||
| Religion | ancient Egyptian religion | ||||||||||||
| Government | Absolute monarchy | ||||||||||||
| Historical era | Bronze Age | ||||||||||||
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• Established
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ca. 2181 BC | ||||||||||||
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• Disestablished
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ca. 2160 BC | ||||||||||||
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The Eighth Dynasty of ancient Egypt was a group of pharaohs who ruled for a short time. They lived around 2200 BC. These kings probably ruled from the city of Memphis.
This dynasty was active during a time when the powerful Old Kingdom of Egypt was ending. It was also the start of a period called the First Intermediate Period. During this time, the pharaohs (kings) started to lose their power. Instead, local governors, called nomarchs, became very important. Egypt began to act more like a system where local lords had a lot of control.
Even though the kings in Memphis tried to work with strong nomarchs, especially those in Coptos, the Eighth Dynasty eventually fell. Another group of nomarchs from Heracleopolis Magna took over. They then started the Ninth Dynasty. Some experts combine the Eighth Dynasty with the Seventh Dynasty. This is because there isn't much proof that the Seventh Dynasty really existed.
Historians believe the Eighth Dynasty ruled Egypt for about 20 to 45 years. Different dates are suggested, like 2181–2160 BC.
Egypt's Changing Power and the End of an Era
The Eighth Dynasty is often seen as the first part of the First Intermediate Period. This is because its kings ruled for very short times. Also, there isn't much evidence from this period. This suggests that the government was becoming less stable.
However, new studies show that there was a strong connection between the Sixth and Eighth Dynasties. Some experts now think the Eighth Dynasty should be seen as the very last part of the Old Kingdom.
Many kings of the Eighth Dynasty used part of the name Neferkare in their own names. This was the throne name of Pepi II, a famous king from the Sixth Dynasty. This might mean they were related to the Sixth Dynasty and tried to keep some power.
Some actions of the last four kings of the Eighth Dynasty are known from their special messages. These messages are called Coptos Decrees. They were sent to Shemay, a powerful official called a vizier. Only one king, Qakare Ibi, is known for building something big. His pyramid was found at Saqqara, near Pepi II's pyramid. Like older pyramids, it had special writings called Pyramid Texts on its walls.
No matter how many kings there were, it's clear that Egypt's central government was weakening. The rulers in Memphis depended on the power of the nomarchs from Coptos. They gave these nomarchs important titles and honors. But this wasn't enough. The Eighth Dynasty was eventually overthrown by a rival group. This group was based in a city called Herakleopolis Magna.
Who Were the Kings of the Eighth Dynasty?
Because there isn't much proof for the Seventh Dynasty, most kings listed after Merenre Nemtyemsaf II and before Montuhotep II are usually thought to belong to the Eighth Dynasty. Here are some of the kings often listed:
- Netjerkare Siptah: Sometimes seen as the last king of the Sixth Dynasty.
- Menkare: Possibly known from a carving in a queen's tomb.
- Neferkare II
- Neferkare Neby: May have started building a pyramid at Saqqara.
- Djedkare Shemai
- Neferkare Khendu
- Merenhor
- Neferkamin
- Nikare: Possibly known from a small cylinder seal.
- Neferkare Tereru
- Neferkahor: Known from a cylinder seal.
- Neferkare Pepiseneb: Ruled for at least one year.
- Neferkamin Anu
- Qakare Ibi: Ruled for about two years. His pyramid was found at Saqqara.
- Neferkaure: Ruled for over four years. Known from a decree about a temple.
- Khwiwihepu Neferkauhor: Ruled for over two years. Known from eight decrees about a temple and an inscription in a vizier's tomb.
- Neferirkare: Ruled for about one and a half years.
Some historians, like Hratch Papazian, have a different idea. They think the earliest kings listed above were actually part of the Sixth Dynasty. They believe a very short Seventh Dynasty came next. Then, the Eighth Dynasty would only start with King Qakare Ibi, who has more evidence.
It's also important to know that the exact identity and ruling times of some other rulers are very uncertain. These include Wadjkare, Khuiqer, Khui, and Iytjenu.
