Sneferu

Sneferu was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the early part of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Reigning around 2613–2589 BCE, he is traditionally considered the founder of the Fourth Dynasty and the immediate predecessor of Khufu. His parentage is uncertain in some sources, and chronologies vary, but he is commonly thought to be the son of Huni.

During his reign, Sneferu ordered several major pyramid-building projects. He is associated with the Meidum Pyramid near Meidum, which began as a step pyramid and was later encased with limestone; the outer layers collapsed in antiquity. He also built the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur, a structure that reveals a transition in pyramid design, and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, regarded as the first true smooth-faced pyramid.

Sneferu's pyramids reflect innovations in architectural planning and state organization and laid the groundwork for the later pyramids of Khufu. The scale and complexity of his projects helped reinforce the royal cult and the administrative capacity of the central government. His reign thus marks a turning point in pyramid construction and Old Kingdom statecraft.

Little is known about his death and burial; his tomb remains elusive, though his monuments stood for centuries. His legacy endures in the prominence of pyramid building as a hallmark of ancient Egyptian monarchy.