The kings or pharaohs of Egypt were usually good kings, and served their jobs well. From dynasty I to dynasty VI, the kingdom transformed to a leading empire with extreme wealth and high standards, and then started to decline in all aspects. The government was very wealthy and used this wealth to accomplish almost unimaginable projects for their pharaohs. These projects lead to the decline of Egypt and used up way too much of the money that was needed to keep the empire in order. The pyramids of Ancient Egypt were very complex, time consuming, and extremely expensive to the state which in turn leads to the gradual decline of the empire. .
The government of Egypt sought to utilize their great wealth to create memorials for the pharaohs. The wealth was gained by utilizing expeditions to go out and collect highly prized possessions in Africa and some of Asia. This time period is referred to as Old Kingdom Egypt or the "Memphite Regime", and lasted for about 800 years. Also during this time many great inventions were coming out, such as the hieroglyphic script and a very effective 365-day calendar. .
Overview of the first 6 dynasties of the pyramid age.
During the first four dynasties the pyramids were being transformed into highly specialized tombs for the pharaohs. Passage ways and decorations were being added to the pyramids. They rose from small step pyramids to rather complex and large pyramids. The great pharaohs Khufu and Khafre ruled during dynasty 4 in which the largest and greatest pyramids were built. .
Dynasties five through six the pyramids were changing again, this time becoming significantly smaller and lesser in quality. This will prove to be the period that foreshadows the decline of Egypt. Mastabas were upgraded somewhat, even though building standards were also in decline. In about 2465 BC marks what seems to be a decline of building standards. The pyramid of Userkaf, which was at Abusir, was already falling apart.