My cousin Allan 'Al" Frank Boutrous, son of Dian Marcella (Erickson) and Floyd Nick Boutrous in Giza, Egypt in 2016. Al's standing in front of the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

The Pyramids were built as tombs for the country's pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods. Approximately 2686 to 1650 B.C. The earliest known Egyptian pyramids are found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis. The earliest among these is the Pyramid of Djoser (constructed 2630 BC–2611 BC) which was built during the third dynasty. This pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed by the architect Imhotep, and are generally considered to be the world's oldest monumental structures constructed of dressed masonry.

The most famous Egyptian pyramids are those found at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. Several of the Giza pyramids are counted among the largest structures ever built. The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.

Old Kingdom
United under King Menes
2686 to 2181 B.C.E - Included the 3rd to the 6th dynasties
Capitol was Memphis in "The Age of the Pyramids"
Construction * Teamwork * Egyptian Art * Sculptures

The Pharaohs are buried in the Pyramids and are viewed
as an inaccessible god-king who rules absolutely over his people.

Middle Kingdom
United under King Mentuhotep
2055 to 1650 B.C.E. - Included the 11th to the 12th dynasty
Capitol was Thebes in "The Golden Age"
Stability * Property boundaries * Territorial expansion * Reorganization of Nome structure A nome “district” was a territorial division in ancient Egypt. Each nome was ruled by a nomarch, in other words an Ancient Egyptian).

The Pharaohs are buried in hidden tombs and are viewed as the “shepherd of his people” with the task to build public works and produce for the welfare.