The Seventh Dynasty of ancient Egypt is a term used to describe a period during the First Intermediate Period, which followed the end of the Old Kingdom. This dynasty is characterized by a lack of centralized power and is often seen as a time of political fragmentation, with multiple rulers claiming authority over different regions of Egypt. The exact number of kings during this dynasty is uncertain, and many of them are poorly documented. This period is significant for its social and economic changes, as the decline of the Old Kingdom led to increased local governance. The First Intermediate Period saw the rise of regional leaders, often referred to as nomarchs, who gained power in their respective areas. The Seventh Dynasty is often viewed as a precursor to the more stable Eighth Dynasty, which attempted to restore centralized rule.