Answer: During the Old Kingdom period, Egypt was ruled by a series of Pharaohs who held absolute power over the country. The Pharaohs were considered to be gods and were the highest authority in the land. They were responsible for the administration of the country, including the maintenance of law and order, the protection of the country from external threats, and the organization of the economy. Some of the Pharaohs who ruled Egypt during the Old Kingdom include Djoser, Sneferu, and Khufu, who is known for building the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Explanation: Before the Middle Kingdom period, Egypt was ruled by the Old Kingdom. The Old Kingdom, also known as the Pyramid Age, was a period in ancient Egyptian history that lasted from approximately 2613 to 2181 BCE. It was characterized by the construction of large pyramids, including the pyramids at Giza, and the development of a centralized government with a strong bureaucracy. The Old Kingdom was followed by a period of political and economic instability known as the First Intermediate Period, which lasted from approximately 2181 to 2055 BCE. The Middle Kingdom began after the First Intermediate Period, around 2055 BCE.