Third dynasty of Egypt

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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.

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 Zawyet el'Aryan.