Sneferu

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Sneferu

Sneferu was an ancient Egyptian king who founded the Fourth Dynasty, ruling around 2600 BC. He is thought to have reigned for about 27 to 30 years.

He was the son of Huni and the father of Khufu, who would later build the Great Pyramid. Sneferu’s reign is famous for big changes in pyramid construction.

During his rule, he built three pyramids: Meidum, the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur, and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur. The Meidum pyramid began as a stepped structure and was later given a smooth cover to become a true pyramid. The Bent Pyramid shows a change in the pyramid’s angle during construction, showing innovation and experimentation. The Red Pyramid is simpler but still a true pyramid, and it helped set the pattern for later royal tombs.

Sneferu’s work laid the groundwork for Khufu’s Great Pyramid and the later pyramid-building tradition. To fund and staff these projects, he led campaigns in Libya and Nubia to gain workers and materials, including cedar wood and cattle.

His name means “He has perfected me,” and he held titles such as “Horus, Lord of Maat.” His wife Hetepheres I was Khufu’s mother, linking Sneferu to the line that would culminate in the Great Pyramid.