The cornerstone for Egyptian society was laid around 3100 BC with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the rule of a single King. This king, known as Pharaoh, was the central figure of the Egyptian state which built pyramids during the Old Kingdom, mainly in the 3rd Dynasty, starting at Saqqara (c. 2650 BC). The most notable of these was the Great Pyramid at Giza built by Khufu (Cheops). Later-Dynasty Pharaohs turned their attention to the building of temples with large halls and stylized columns. Dynastic rule in ancient Egypt ended in approximately 300 BC with the beginning of the Macedonian Kings and Ptolemaic reign which itself ended with its conquest by the Roman Empire and the death of Cleopatra in 31 BC.

The everyday life of the ancient Egyptian was centered around a bureaucratic state. Outside of Pharaoh, all officials enjoyed high status with the Scribe being held in highest esteem. Individual importance was further established by those with special skills such as carpenters and artisans who worked directly for the state. Most people, however, were farmers, laborers, and slaves. When called upon by the government, all citizens were required to participate in the building of tombs and temples . The family was always considered central to Egyptian civilization.

The religious beliefs of the society were focused on the afterlife. Magic played a part with the use of amulets and spells, but embalming was necessary to survive death. After removal of the internal organs the body was treated with preservatives and wrapped with linen bandages to form a mummy. It was then fitted with a mask and placed in a case covered with religious images and hieroglyphs from the Book of the Dead. Surrounded by provisions of food, furniture, amulets, and ushabti figures for the afterlife, the mummy was put to rest where it was to be guided by the god Horus through the world of the dead.

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