Sneferu
2613 BCE–2589 BCE · Old-Kingdom · Dahshur
Sneferu founded Dynasty 4, reigning around 2613-2589 BCE (Shaw's conventional dates), and was by sheer volume the greatest pyramid-builder in Egyptian history. He is credited with three great pyramids: the one at Meidum, and at Dahshur the Bent Pyramid (whose angle changes partway up) and the Red Pyramid, the first true smooth-sided pyramid ever completed. These monuments represent the decisive technical step from the stepped form to the true pyramid that his son Khufu would perfect at Giza. Later Egyptian literature remembered Sneferu as an approachable and benevolent king, a reputation reflected in tales set centuries after his death; such stories are literary tradition rather than contemporary record. The administrative and quarrying records of his reign attest to expeditions and to the vast organisation of labour his building required.
Did you know?
The father who out-built the pyramid-builder
Khufu is famous for a single Great Pyramid, but his father Sneferu — who took the throne around 2613 BCE, some 4,600 years ago — is credited with building at least three pyramids and is thought to have moved more total stone than his more famous son. His Red Pyramid is generally regarded as the first successful true smooth-sided pyramid.
How we know
Sneferu, 1st king of the 4th Dynasty, reigned c. 2613–2589 BCE (Shaw chronology); built the Meidum, Bent, and Red pyramids at Dahshur/Meidum; scholars estimate his combined pyramid volume ~40% greater than Khufu's Great Pyramid; the Red Pyramid is regarded as the first true smooth-sided pyramid.
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Dahshur
What they did here
Site of his Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid, the first true smooth-sided pyramid. (coord approx)
In the same place & time
Sages whose lives overlapped with Sneferu’s in the same cities, drawn from their recorded journeys.
In the same tradition
Works
No works attributed in the corpus yet.