King Snefru: A Deep Dive into His Reign and Achievements

We are still fascinated by the ancient Egyptian civilization with what it left us great artifacts for such great kings who left their signature on them throughout history, and their deeds were the best witness and evidence of them.
A great civilization means great kings and even great people who were able to join hand by hand with their rulers to make a history that time keeps telling till today.
One of these great rulers is King Sneferu. 

King Snefru family

King Snefru was one of the most famous kings in ancient Egypt, he was the founder of the 4th dynasty, he became the king of Egypt after his father Huni the last king the 3rd dynasty, and his mother was called Meresankh I 

His wife was called Hetepheres I the mother of king Kufu he had many children but the most famous and important one of them Kufu the one who ruled after him and did one of the seven wonders of the world, his pyramid in Giza.

King Snefru Titles

King-Snefru-Titles-EgyptaTours

In ancient Egypt kings used to have 5 titles when they get the throne these titles are 

1- Horus name

 Hr nb-mAAt snfr-wi

Which means “horus the lord of maat will make me perfect” 

2- Golden Horus Hr-nbw

It has been known among specialists to be translated as “Horus the Victorious” because the name is historically linked to the events of the victory of the followers of “Horus” over the followers of “Set” the god of evil in ancient Egypt.

3-The Two Goddess Nbty 

Which means the belonged to the two goddess of the south, was called “Nekhbat”, the idol of the Cape region, and the goddess of the north, was called “Wagit”, the goddess of the city of Butto, two regions that witnessed the last stages of the conflict between the north and the south, leading to the unity that was never broken thereafter.

4- Throne names nsw-bity

 nsw-bity s-nfr-wi

 This  name is the most important one, was given to the king on the occasion of his coronation as a king of Egypt, that the title nsw-bity means “King of Upper and Lower Egypt” and literally means “belonging to the linen plant representing Upper Egypt and belonging to the bee representing the Lower Egypt “, and this name had to be placed inside a cartouche the official name of the pharaoh.

5- Name of birth sA Ra

This name also appears inside a cartouche, and it is probably that this one common name among members of the same family, it is the name most used among archaeologists and their reference to these kings. The birth name is traditionally preceded by this title which means (son of Ra) in reference to the king as the heir of the sun god in ancient Egypt ‘Ra’. 

King Snefru Reign

He was probably the son of one of the king’s secondary wives could ascended the throne by marrying the royal heiress which was called as we said before Mrsankh.

Egyptologists differs into for how long he took over the leadership in Egypt, some says it was 24 years according to Palermo stone, others says it was for 48 years and others says it was around 30-40 years.

But the most important thing that we all agree on is that Snefru was one of the most important great rulers, who have ever ruled Egypt in whole history. Egypt witnessed in his era prosperity and wideness in various fields, making Egypt a strong country commercially, economically and militarily.

Economically

During his reign prosperity and wealthy became in all over Egypt thanks to his encouragement to build a powerful trade relations with (Phoenicia) it is called now (Lebanon).

Snefru used to send trade expeditions to (Byblos) known now as (Lebanon) one of them was a naval fleet contains about forty ships was sent to bring cedar wood which were used in the manufacture of doors and ships as this kind of was known for its strength and hardness.

Palermo stone mentions that sixty ships have been constructed in the rein of Snefru and that each one of these ships had sixteen oars, and all of these things considered him as a greet ruler and fantastic economic mentality.

Militarily

Snefru was combination of strength and mercy he gave his people safety and security, so he made a campaign to Nubia to restore safe in the southern borders of Egypt.

 This expedition also mentioned in the stone, how powerful the King Sneferu was that he succeeded to capture with his strong army, 7,000 captives and 200,000 oxen.

King Snefru called these tribes “Nahsio”.

He sent campaigns to the Bedouins of Sinai known as) disciplinary campaigns (and that’s for their capture of copper and turquoise mines and they raid the commercial caravans during their passage from there and they steal their goods.

There are rocks there in Mountain in Sinai (Elmaghara)  refers to the king disciplining one of the captives, another scene the king was glorified and magnified as a protector of the idols  Subed and Hathor the two goddess in ancient Egypt.

He sent another expedition to Libo (known today as Libya), that his powerful army bought from their 11,000 captives and 13,000 oxen.
 One of the most important positions that created during his reign was the position of minister, who was called (TAty).

King Snefru legacy in architectural innovations

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King Snefru is credited with building four pyramids, the methods in which these pyramids were built is an architectural masterpiece and a link between the stepped pyramid and the complete pyramid.

The stepped pyramid, which was built during the reign of King Djoser, founder of the third dynasty and after him was the pyramid of King Huni, Sneferu’s father, who probably died before its completion, and his son Sneferu completed it, so whether him or his father this pyramid was the link between the step pyramid and the complete pyramid.

Step-Pyramid-Completed-by-King-Snefru

It is also attributed to King Snefru, which is known as Sila pyramid, this pyramid is located in Fayoum and is largely demolished, archaeologists confirm the clarity of the name Sneferu inside the pyramid, which confirms its attribution to him. However, this pyramid was not allocated for burial, but the scholars think that the king may be used it as a rest for him.

As for the third pyramid, which is known as the curved pyramid, this pyramid was built at an angle of error that led to the breaking of its edges, so it was known by this name.

Last but not least ,the fourth pyramid, which is known as the Red Pyramid, because of the presence of a red layer above its stones, it can be considered the first complete pyramid and the third largest pyramid after the pyramids of Khufu and Khafra pyramid in Giza
Thus, the architecture in the era of Sneferu this great king went through all its stages of development in order to reach the full pyramid, and that if it indicates something, it indicates the ingenuity and greatness of the architects of this era of history, especially the reign of this great king. 

Snefru Relations With Foreign

Sneferu secured an extensive store of labor and materials to undertake massive building projects and his foreign policy was a major contributor to this. He conducted conquests into Libya and Nubia, serving two purposes, establishing an extensive labor force and gaining access to raw materials and special products available in these countries.

The Palermo Stone provides evidence of Sneferu’s campaigns, detailing the construction of a 100 cubit “adoring the two lands” boat and 60 “sixteener” royal boats made of cedar. He smited Nubia, bringing 7000 male and female live captives and 200,000 sheep and goats. He also built the wall of the south and north lands called “the mansions of Sneferu”.

This inscription demonstrates Sneferu’s ability to capture large numbers of people from other nations, adding them to his labor force. He also seized cattle to sustain his massive labor force. These incursions were devastating to the populations of the raided countries.

Sneferu carried out military campaigns in ancient Libya, resulting in the capture of around 11,000 prisoners and the seizure of approximately 13,100 cattle. His reign also shows clear evidence of expeditions to the turquoise mines in the Sinai Peninsula, along with extensive quarrying operations to supply stone for the construction of his pyramids.

Sneferu was a combination of strength and mercy, ruling and leading his country and people to a better life under the shadow of security and peace. The economy flourished during his reign due to his encouragement of trade relations with Phoenicia (now Lebanon) and the wise utilization of his country’s resources

He sent naval fleets, particularly to the port of Byblos (in Lebanon) for trade. One such expedition consisted of 40 ships to bring cedar wood, used for doors, internal parts of the king’s pyramids and shipbuilding. The Palermo Stone mentions the construction of 60 ships, each with 16 oars.

Children of Snefru

Sons of Snefru:

• The first son was Khufu, who was his son and Hetepheres, this king was considered after Sneferu and his heir. 
• The second son was Ankhaf, who was considered the king’s son of his body, he married Princess Hetepheres, he was considered the king’s vizier and he had a very famous half statue in Boston. 
• Kanefer, the king’s eldest son and son of his body, he also was the second vizier of Sneferu. 
• Nefermaat I is considered Sneferu’s eldest son, he married Itet, he was called the Guardian of Nekhen and the Great of the Five in the House of Thoth and several other names and this was the first vizier of Sneferu. 
• Netjeraperef was buried in Dahshur. 
• Rahotep was considered the king’s son of his body, he was also a great priest of Ra in Heliopolis, he was buried with his wife Nofret in Meidum and his statues were very famous in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. 
• Ranefer was buried in Meidum. 
• Iynefer I was buried in Dahshur after his death.

Daughters of Snefru:

• Hetepheres: wife of Ankhaf and she was named after her queen mother. 
• Nefertkau I: she was considered the king’s daughter of Sneferu’s body, she was the eldest daughter and the date of her tomb is attributed to the era of King Khafre. 
• Nefertnesu: the king’s daughter and the god’s daughter, too and she was buried in Dahshur after her death. 
• Meritites I: she married King Khufu and she was called the Great of Sceptre. 
• Nefertiabet: the king’s daughter and she was buried after her death in Giza.

The statues of king Snefru

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They found a head belonging to King Snefru made of granite which is located in the Brooklyn Museum, with a height of 61 cm. This head dates back to the era of the Third Dynasty and the beginning of the Fourth Dynasty. There is another head that shares similar features, including the broad nose, thick lips and full face. This statue is made of limestone and was found in southern Dahshur.

The crown covers the king’s forehead in the Valley Temple of the pyramid in southern Dahshur and it is now in the Egyptian Museum. The statue has suffered damage in the chest and limb areas.

 FAQs

Who was King Snefru?

King Snefru was the first pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. He ruled during the Old Kingdom, around 2613 to 2589 BCE. He is known for his architectural achievements, including the construction of the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur.

What are the major accomplishments of King Snefru?

Snefru is famous for several significant accomplishments, including pioneering pyramid construction. He built the first true smooth-sided pyramid, known as the Red Pyramid, and his earlier attempt, the Bent Pyramid, is noted for its unique design. His reign also marked advances in quarrying and stone-cutting techniques.

How did Snefru influence pyramid construction?

Snefru’s architectural innovations paved the way for later pyramid designs. He experimented with different styles and techniques, which led to the refinement of pyramid construction. His success inspired subsequent pharaohs, including his son Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid at Giza.

What was the significance of the Bent Pyramid?

The Bent Pyramid represents an important evolution in pyramid design. Its unique shape, with two angles, showcases Snefru’s experiments in architecture. The pyramid also holds historical significance as it signifies a transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids.

Did King Snefru have a strong military presence?

While Snefru is primarily known for his architectural achievements, he also had a notable military presence. His reign included campaigns in the Sinai and Nubia, which helped secure valuable resources and establish trade routes.

What do we know about Snefru’s family?

Snefru is believed to have had several wives, including Hetepheres I, the mother of Khufu. His family connections helped solidify alliances and strengthen his reign. His children likely played significant roles in the succession of power.

How long did King Snefru rule?

King Snefru ruled for approximately 24 years. His reign is marked by prosperity and impressive building projects that contributed to the legacy of the Old Kingdom.

Where can I see Snefru’s pyramids today?

Snefru’s pyramids, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, are located in Dahshur, Egypt. Both sites are accessible to visitors and offer insight into ancient Egyptian architecture and engineering.

What legacy did King Snefru leave behind?

Snefru’s legacy includes his architectural innovations and the establishment of the Fourth Dynasty’s power. His successful pyramid designs influenced future constructions and solidified the importance of the pharaohs’ monumental structures.

Are there any myths or stories associated with King Snefru?

While there are fewer myths directly associated with Snefru compared to later pharaohs, he is mentioned in inscriptions and texts. These often highlight his accomplishments and role in advancing the arts and architecture of ancient Egypt.