Djedefre, also known as Radjedef, was an Egyptian pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty who reigned around 2566 to 2558 BC. He was the son and successor of Cheops, the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The reign of Djedefre
- Historical and family background
Djedefrê is the son of Cheops and Queen Henoutsen. He succeeds his father on the throne and is followed by his brother Khafra. Although his reign was quite short compared to that of his father and brother, Djedefre left his mark on Egyptian history.
- Length of reign
Djedefre's reign is generally estimated at between 8 and 11 years, although some sources estimate that he could have reigned for up to 14 years. Egyptologists have determined the length of his reign through inscriptions on objects found during archaeological excavations.
Achievements and archaeological discoveries
- The pyramid of Abu Rawash
Djedefre's main architectural achievement is his pyramid at Abu Rawash, located about 8 km north of Giza. This pyramid, now in ruins, is less known than those of Gizeh, but it has certain particularities. It is built on a hill, which gives it an elevated and dominant position over the surrounding landscape.
- The statue of Djedefre
An alabaster statue of Djedefre was discovered in the pyramid mortuary temple of Abu Rawash. The statue, although fragmentary, is an outstanding example of Egyptian art from the Fourth Dynasty period and bears witness to the skill of the artists of that time.
- Archaeological research
Many archaeological excavations have been carried out on the site of Abu Rawash, in particular by French and Egyptian teams. This research has provided insight into the structure of Djedefre's pyramid and shed light on the life and reign of this lesser-known pharaoh.
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
Djoser / Sanakht / Sekhemkhet / Spoon / Huni | |||
Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
Semqen/Aper-Anat/Sakir-Har/Khyan/Apophis I/Apophis II?/Khamoudy | |||
/Sekhemre-Sementaouy Djehouty/Sekhemre-Sousertaouy Sobekhotep VIII | |||
Twenty-first dynasty | |||
Twenty-second dynasty | |||
Twenty-third dynasty | |||
Twenty-fourth dynasty | |||
1st Persian Dynasty | |||
Thirty-first dynasty (Achaemenid) | 2nd Persian Dynasty | ||