Flourished Circa 2625-2500 B.C.E.
King, Dynasty 4

Military Raids. Sneferu was the first king of Dynasty 4 (circa 2625-2500 B.C.E.). His highly centralized administration marked a high point of the Old Kingdom (circa 2675- 2130 B.C.E.). Records of his reign (circa 2625-2585 B.C.E.) are limited, but apparently he came to power by marrying his predecessor's daughter. He led several military expeditions against Nubia, Lybia, and Sinai, capturing much booty. Stone carvings of the king in the turquoise mines of the last region attest to his military prowess. Sneferu ordered the construction of two large pyramids at Dahshur, both of which still stand today. During the Middle Kingdom (circa 1980-1630 B.C.E.) his rule came to be viewed as a golden age and the king was pictured as a benevolent ruler.

Sources:

Lionel Casson, The Pharaohs (Chicago: Stonehenge, 1981).

Peter A. Clayton, Chronicle...