<P> The Fifth Dynasty (2494--2345 BC) began with Userkaf (2494--2487 BC) and was marked by the growing importance of the cult of sun god Ra . Consequently, fewer efforts were devoted to the construction of pyramid complexes than during the 4th dynasty and more to the construction of sun temples in Abusir . Userkaf was succeeded by his son Sahure (2487--2475 BC) who commanded an expedition to Punt . Sahure was in turn succeeded by Neferirkare Kakai (2475--2455 BC) who was Sahure's son . Neferirkare introduced the prenomen in the royal titulary . He was followed by two short - lived kings, his son Neferefre (2455--2453 BC) and Shepseskare, the latter of uncertain parentage . Shepseskare may have been deposed by Neferefre's brother Nyuserre Ini (2445--2421 BC), a long lived pharaoh who built extensively in Abusir and re-started royal activity in Giza . </P> <P> The last Pharaohs of the dynasty were Menkauhor Kaiu (2421--2414 BC), Djedkare Isesi (2414--2375 BC) and Unas (2375--2345), the earliest ruler to have the pyramid texts inscribed in his pyramid . </P> <P> Egypt's expanding interests in trade goods such as ebony, incense such as myrrh and frankincense, gold, copper and other useful metals inspired the ancient Egyptians to build suitable ships for navigation of the open sea . They traded with Lebanon for cedar and travelled the length of the Red Sea to the Kingdom of Punt--possibly modern day Somalia--for ebony, ivory and aromatic resins . Ship builders of that era did not use pegs (treenails) or metal fasteners, but relied on rope to keep their ships assembled . Planks and the superstructure were tightly tied and bound together . </P> <P> During the sixth dynasty (2345--2181 BC) the power of pharaoh gradually weakened in favor of powerful nomarchs (regional governors). These no longer belonged to the royal family and their charge became hereditary, thus creating local dynasties largely independent from the central authority of the Pharaoh . However, Nile flood control was still the subject of very large works, including especially the canal to Lake Moeris around 2300 BC, which was likely also the source of water to the Giza pyramid complex centuries earlier . </P>

The collapse of the old kingdom in egypt resulted from