Snefru, << SNEHF roo, >> also spelled Sneferu or Snofru, ruled Egypt from about 2597 to 2547 B.C. He was the first king of Dynasty IV, during the historical period known as the Old Kingdom (about 2650 to 2150 B.C.). Snefru’s parents probably were King Huni, his predecessor, and Queen Meresankh I. Snefru’s son and successor was King Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid at Giza.
During Snefru’s reign, Egyptian military expeditions against Libya and Nubia brought many prisoners, livestock, and goods into Egypt. Trade also flourished. Under Snefru, the Egyptians mined for turquoise in the Sinai Peninsula. They probably also mined for copper and malachite.
Pyramid building advanced during Snefru’s reign. The step pyramids of Dynasty III gave way to smooth-sided “true” pyramids. Step pyramids consisted of a series of giant steps, or terraces. Snefru built at least two large pyramids—the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid—at a site called Dahshur, southwest of present-day Cairo. The Meidum Pyramid, built slightly earlier, also is credited to Snefru. However, some scholars think the pyramid was begun during Huni’s reign and completed during Snefru’s rule. Snefru also had a small pyramid built at Seila, west of the Meidum Pyramid. In addition, he has been credited for other small pyramids at Elephantine, el-Ghenemia, el-Kula, Nubt, Seila, Sinki, and Zawiyet Sulta.
Snefru became a well-loved king and was worshipped as a god. Many accounts written after his death tell of his greatness. Snefru’s cult (group of worshippers) continued in Dahshur and the Sinai Peninsula beyond the period called the Middle Kingdom (about 1975 to 1640 B.C.).
See also Egypt, Ancient (The Old Kingdom) ; Khufu ; Pyramids .
