Mind-Benders of Ancient Egyptian History
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.
One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.