Snefru, the first pharaoh of the 4th dynasty of Ancient Egypt, reigned around 2610 to 2590 BC. He is best known for his architectural achievements, including the construction of several pyramids.
The reign of Snefru
- Duration and historical context
Snefru is considered to have reigned for around 20 to 24 years, although some sources believe he could have reigned for up to 48 years. He is the founder of the Fourth Dynasty, which marks a turning point in Egyptian architecture with the construction of great pyramids.
- Construction projects and achievements
Snefru is famous for his ambitious construction projects, including the creation of three great pyramids: the pyramid of Meidum, the Bent Pyramid (or Leaning Pyramid) at Dashur, and the Red Pyramid, also at Dashur. These structures bear witness to the architectural innovations of the time and served as the basis for later pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Archaeological discoveries and research
As mentioned earlier, the Meidum pyramid is sometimes attributed to Huni, the last pharaoh of the Third Dynasty. However, Egyptologists such as Flinders Petrie and Mark Lehner attribute this pyramid to Snefru. The pyramid, which is now in ruins, shows the early stages of the transition from mastabas to step pyramids.
The Bent Pyramid, also known as the Leaning Pyramid, has an unusual angle of slope, likely due to structural issues that arose during its construction. The red pyramid, on the other hand, is considered the first “perfect” pyramid with a square base and smooth faces. These two pyramids of Dahchour bear witness to the architectural innovations and the skills of the builders of the time of Snefrou.
📋 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 | ||