Sneferu

views updated

Sneferu

Flourished Circa 2625-2500 b.c.e.

King, dynasty 4

Sources

Military Raids. Sneferu was the first king of Dynasty 4 (circa 2625–2500 b.c.e.). His highly centralized administration marked a high point of the Old Kingdom (circa 2675–2130 b.c.e.). Records of his reign (circa 2625–2585 b.c.e.) are limited, but apparently he came to power by marrying his predecessor’s daughter. He led several military expeditions against Nubia, Lybia, and Sinai, capturing much booty. Stone carvings of the king in the turquoise mines of the last region attest to his military prowess. Sneferu ordered the construction of two large pyramids at Dahshur, both of which still stand today. During the Middle Kingdom (circa 1980–1630 b.c.e.) his rule came to be viewed as a golden age and the king was pictured as a benevolent ruler.

Sources

Lionel Casson, The Pharaohs (Chicago: Stonehenge, 1981).

Peter A. Clayton, Chronicle of the Pharaohs: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers and Dynasties of Ancient Egypt (New York: Thames & Hudson, 1994).

Barry J. Kemp, Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilization (London & New York: Routledge, 1991).

More From encyclopedia.com