Old Kingdom Egypt was a period of Egyptian history from 2686 BC to 2181 BC, during which time the Egyptian capital was Memphis, and kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure became known as the great "pyramid-builders". King Djoser of the Third Dynasty inaugurated the Old Kingdom by moving the capital to Memphis, and he oversaw building projects at Saqqara. His architect Imhotep created the step pyramid, the first pyramid design. The Old Kingdom enjoyed internal security and prosperity, with the kings of Egypt being revered as living gods who ruled absolutely and could demand the services and wealth of his subjects. The death of the elderly Pepi II in 2181 BC led to a succession crisis which destabilized Egypt and brought about an "intermediate period"; Middle Kingdom Egypt did not emerge until 2055 BC.