The Third and Fourth Dynasties were extremely prosperous, and only became so through the ability to control and organize people. Multitudes of workers and organization was needed to build pyramids and statues. These workers however, were not necessarily slaves, but highly skilled craftsmen who were able to undertake large projects because of the stability and wealth around them. So, what kind of problems could destroy such a prosperous and stable era? Many things contributed, including multiple years without the annual Nile flood, which brought about a decrease in agricultural production and caused many to question the Pharaoh's power. It can be argued that one main factor was the rise in power of nomarchs, or provincial officials. As the position of nomarchs grew to be hereditary, and wealth was passed down by generations, they began to grow increasingly powerful to the point where they acted independent of the king and started wars among themselves (Colorado State). The elite class was also intent on distancing itself from the commoner classes as
The Third and Fourth Dynasties were extremely prosperous, and only became so through the ability to control and organize people. Multitudes of workers and organization was needed to build pyramids and statues. These workers however, were not necessarily slaves, but highly skilled craftsmen who were able to undertake large projects because of the stability and wealth around them. So, what kind of problems could destroy such a prosperous and stable era? Many things contributed, including multiple years without the annual Nile flood, which brought about a decrease in agricultural production and caused many to question the Pharaoh's power. It can be argued that one main factor was the rise in power of nomarchs, or provincial officials. As the position of nomarchs grew to be hereditary, and wealth was passed down by generations, they began to grow increasingly powerful to the point where they acted independent of the king and started wars among themselves (Colorado State). The elite class was also intent on distancing itself from the commoner classes as