Period of ancient Egypt
First Intermediate Period Egypt
2181–2055 BCE
The First Intermediate Period followed the Old Kingdom and lasted about a century and a quarter. Central authority broke down, regional governors ruled their districts and short-lived kings held Memphis. The Herakleopolitan 9th and 10th Dynasties held the north, and a Theban house, the early 11th Dynasty, held the south.
The period is poorly documented. Its end came when Mentuhotep II of Thebes defeated the Herakleopolitan kings and reunified Egypt.
Key themes
- Political fragmentation and regional rule
- Rivalry between Herakleopolis and Thebes
- Reunification under Mentuhotep II
7th and 8th Dynasties of Egypt
2181–2160 BCE
The 7th and 8th Dynasties are the shadowy bridge between the Old Kingdom and the First Intermediate Period.
9th and 10th Dynasties of Egypt
2160–2025 BCE
The 9th and 10th Dynasties are the Herakleopolitan kings, who ruled much of northern and central Egypt from Herakleopolis Magna while a rival Theban house grew in the south.
11th Dynasty of Egypt
2125–1985 BCE
The 11th Dynasty began as a regional Theban house under the Intef kings, who extended their control in Upper Egypt during the First Intermediate Period.