Dawn of the Age of the Pyramids Part V

          It is almost redundant here to write a thesis about certain figures in history but is history more than dates? Yes, history is more than dates, names, places and events even though these are necessary but the ultimate goal here is to discover how they lived and thought. It is about how they interacted with others that makes history fun and interesting instead of tedious and boring. Unfortunately, because, we know so little of their lives with the exception of their tombs that we can only piece together slivers of their lives. In the final instalment of the series here, it is endeavoured to give an account of the life of the second-to-last king of the IV dynasty, Menkaure, who built the last pyramid on the Giza plateau and discuss the economy of the Old Kingdom whilst leaving the art and architecture of the Old Kingdom for the next entry. 

Head of Menkaure made of Alabaster

The son of Khafre and possibly Khamerernebty I, Menkaure, whose name means Eternal like the Souls of Re, was the final king to build his pyramid on the Giza plateau. He built his pyramid mostly of granite which is more prestigious than limestone with which the prior kings constructed their enormous pyramids albeit it is at a smaller height because of its cost. Menkaure, unfortunately, was not even able to complete his tomb which was left to his successor, Shepseskaf, the last king of the IV dynasty who strangely abandoned the idea of the pyramid for an oddly shaped sarcophogal tomb. The reason why escapes Egyptologists (Shaw, 2000). Menkaure may have also had three wives, two of which we know, Khamerernebty II and Khentkawes I, the latter of whom we know does have a tomb located in Abusir. 

Pyramid of Menkaure

Why was Menkaure's pyramid the last of the great pyramids though? Yes, there were many more pyramids to come but they were smaller in comparison. Most did not exceed 60 metres (200 ft), (Wilkinson, 2013). The answer lies in the economy. According to Ian Shaw of Liverpool University, the large construction carried out during the 3rd and 4th dynasties had a profound effect not only on the economy but Egyptian society as well. One can imagine the amount of professional workers needed to construct such colossal tombs involving the construction of the pyramids and transport of Egypt's resources. It forced the re-allocation of the workforce during the inundation to work on the pyramids but return to the floodplains when the inundation receded. Because such a large workforce was needed, it increased the demand for greater agricultural production which did strain or pressure the Egyptian economy. (Shaw, 2000). 

Menkaure probably with his wife courtesy
of arthistory resources

All of this in turn, allowed for greater organisation throughout Egypt. Once again Ian Shaw explains why. The already existing administrative centres throughout Egypt became the capitals of their respective nomes. We saw in a previous entry that Den, of the 1st dynasty, removed whole communities and labelled them, "crown land" in order to consolidate the country thereby increasing the power of the king, himself and creating the nomes themselves (Tippett, 2015).This seems to be a major reorganization since Pharaoh Den of the 1st dynasty. At this time in Egypt, the pharaoh had unrivalled power. Menkaure was able to commandeer people and land as well as tax the populace at will. Members of the royal family held administrative offices as well in the 3rd and 4th dynasties. The idea of nepotism seemed to work extremely well in these dynasties, especially without the concept of money, until the construction of these elaborate tombs. This allowed for newcomers, who were not related to the king but were literate and competent, to enter into positions previously forbidden by the king. These new officials were rewarded with estates and land ex officio thereby weakening the power of the king which would come in play later in the Old Kingdom, particularly in the 6th dynasty when the power of the kings was so weak that it allowed for nomarchs (governors of nomes) to rebel. This paved the way for private ownership and wealth. 

In conclusion, Menkaure was the last pharaoh to build his pyramid on the Giza plateau albeit at a smaller height given that he built it mostly out of granite. Although he reigned roughly 28 years, he is credited with creation of private wealth and ownership that saw unrelated, literate people be given administrative offices as a reward for their service to the king, ex officio. This was however to be the end of the Age of the Pyramids and no more would we see construction on such a scale as this throughout Egyptian history. It certainly was a monumental achievement that forever branded Egypt as the land of the Pyramids. 

Page Break 

References 

Shaw, Ian. 2000. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt.  

Wilkinson, Toby. 2013. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt. 

Tippett, Adam. 2015. Horus Who Strikes. 

            http://barqueofthenile.blogspot.com/2015/06/horus-who-strikes.html

Dawn of the Age of the Pyramids Part IV

Having thought it over, it has been decided to extend the series a bit simply because there is too much information to exclude here. Besides, we haven't even begun to discuss Khafre and Menkaure yet, the former of whom shall be discussed in this entry. Khafre, to start, was the son of Khufu and Henutsen. He reigned approximately for a total of 26 years however Egyptologists do not agree when he reigned and yes, it is he who is credited with the construction of the Sphinx. This entry will focus not only on the Sphinx and his mortuary complex but his life and the thread he wove in the fabric of the IV dynasty. 

Unfortunately, little of the life of Khafre is know with the exception of his tomb located on

Sphinx pyramid of Khafre courtesy of  egyptphoto.ncf.ca

the Giza plateau. Khafre, whose name means Appearing Like Re, married his sister called Khamerernebty, which was not uncommon in Ancient Egypt and explains for the genetic diseases and disorders that were prevalent not just in the IVth dynasty but through the whole of Ancient Egyptian history. His pyramid, as  mentioned is on the Giza plateau, but not of equal or greater size. According to Ian Shaw of the University of Liverpool, the plans and measurements of the pyramid differed from that of Khufu (Shaw, 2000). His pyramid is the second largest standing at a height of 143.5 m (470 ft) however because the pyramid rests on higher ground it looks taller than the Great Pyramid of Khufu. One defining thing concerning the pyramid is that it is constructed of granite. What is the reason for this though? The answer lies in the Ancient Egyptian economy. 

A bit about the Ancient Egyptian economy must be mentioned here because it affected the

Khafre protected by Horus in diorite courtesy of Hans Ollerman

pyramid building in the IV dynasty profoundly. It required the government to reposition its labour force away from agriculture and farming to construct the pyramids. One can imagine, Ian Shaw states, the pressure applied on the resources throughout Egypt in order to construct only one pyramid on the Giza plateau. What strained the economy as well was that the agricultural techniques did not change during this time whilst labour force on the pyramid itself increased thereby putting a strain on the economy and government. This of course is no different with other pyramids like Khufu's and later with Menkaure as well which also strained the economy (Shaw, 2000). Dominic Perry, of the Ancient Egyptian Podcast correctly assumes that the massive task of building such elaborate tombs not led to the depletion of its resources but the fall of the Old Kingdom as well amongst other things (Perry, 2013). We will touch upon this in later entries however.  

Bust of Khafre courtsey of the Ägyptisches Museum
in Berlin

The most interesting piece of his entire funerary complex must be the giant Sphinx that guards the pyramid daily. Again, Ian Shaw calculates that the Great Sphinx is 72 m (236.22 ft) which seems to be roughly half the height of Khafre's pyramid itself (Shaw, 2000). But why would Khafre decide to construct a great sphinx in front of his pyramid? Egyptologist, Toby Wilkinson, may have the answer. In his book, the Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt, he says that the Great Sphinx means nothing less than the union between the pharaoh and the son god, Re (Wilkinson, 2010). This of course makes sense because the pharaohs have been attempting godship for a couple of centuries so Khafre equating himself to the son god like this makes perfect sense. The first pharaoh of the IV dynasty even called himself, Neb-ma'at, which means Lord of Truth or Order.  

To conclude, it is rather unfortunate that we have so little information on the actual life of Khafre except that he married his sister, Khamerernebty and he build the second largest pyramid on the complex behind the pyramid of Khufu. The resources used were extraordinary as each king sought to use outdo the other on a grand scale. Actually in the next entry, we shall see that Menkaure built his pyramid with granite because of the depletion of resources by his predecessors. The most compelling thing however is the construction of his Great Sphinx which he build before his pyramid and is connected by a causeway. All together this massive funerary complex is not only memorable but the Sphinx itself is most recognisable on the Giza plateau apart from the Great Pyramid which seems to supercede the rest of the plateau.

References

Perry, Dominic. 2013. Ancient Egyptian History                                                                                             Podcast. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7304/10695668256_74e33a581e_b.jpg

Shaw, Ian. 2000. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt.

Wilkinson, Toby. 2010. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt

The Dawn of the Age of the Pyramids Part III

     Djedefre was the third pharaoh of the IV dynasty however many are unaware that even he ruled for eight years or 23 years as suggested. Djedefre was the son of Khufu but not the son of Hetepheres whom we mentioned in the last blog. He inherited the throne from Khufu upon the death of Prince Kawab who was crown prince which suggests intrigue surrounding the court of the IV dynasty. This entry will discuss the debunked theory that Djedefre murdered his brother, Prince Kawab and focus a bit on two women of this period called Hetepheres II and Merysankh III, her daughter and finally their tombs respectively.

Tomb of Djedefre courtesy of narmer.pl

     It all started upon the discovery of Djedefre’s tomb at Abu Roash. Once thought to be a temple, it was later discovered that it was a tomb that was positioned away from the Giza plateau. But why? Well, one theory posited that Djedefre murdered his brother Prince Kawab and married his wife, Hetepheres II, in an attempt to usurp the throne upon the death of Khufu however this has now been dismissed, according to Alissa Lyon of Michigan State University and several other Egyptologists (Lyon, 2014). She goes on to say as well that his statues had been defaced which may have been the work of his successor, Khafre. Additionally, his pyramid was left uncompleted as well. Upon further study and discovery however, this theory became false because there is evidence that Djedefre finished his predecessor’s burial in order to honour his father, Khufu. Another reason that renders this theory debunked is that of his position of the tomb at Abu Roash. He may have moved his tomb there because he simply wanted the sun to rise directly over Heliopolis during the summer solstice.  

This statue shows the intimacy between mother
and daughter courtesy of Wikipedia

     Turning attention now to the women of this period particularly Hetepheres II, Merysankh III, and Hetepheres II who was the wife of Crown Prince Kawab, granddaughter of Hetepheres I. She survived both husbands, Kawab and Djedefre as well as her daughter, Merysankh III of whom Hetepheres II constructed an elaborate tomb for her daughter (Smith, 1998). Hetepheres II married her daughter to Khafre who not only was her uncle but build his pyramid on the Giza plateau as well which looks deceptively taller than the pyramid of Khufu. Stevenson, relying on the reliefs of the tomb, has gathered much about the lives of these women and the power struggle that emerged among the children of Khufu. Merysankh III had four sons called Nebemakhet, Duaenre, Niuserre, and Khenterka and a daughter called, Shepsetkau (osirisnet.net). These names were found in her chapel of her tomb.  

    What was the relationship like between Merysankh III and her mother Hetepheres II? Unfortunately, we know very little but the tomb and the reliefs suggest that they were extremely close. The fact that her mother, Hetepheres II took the time to not only build her time but to elaborately paint it as well eludes to their closeness. Although, she was not the daughter of king however she was the mother of king and husband of king which allowed her to wield significant power in the IV dynasty.

            The tombs of Hetepheres II and Merysankh III are rather elaborate in their work, especially the tomb of Merysankh III of which W. Stevenson Smith describes as a splendidly decorated rock-cut tomb complete with pictures of the family, (Smith, 1998). The tomb of Djedefre, however, introduced a new idea into Egyptian Art. A fragment found at Abu Roash depicts Djedefre’s wife at his feet which was unheard of up to this point in the history of Egypt. This piece was soon copied by later kings of the V and VI dynasties.

Tomb of Merysankh III courtesy of Roanoke
University

In conclusion, Djedefre was the third pharaoh of the IV dynasty whose conspiracy theory included the murder of his brother, the Crown Prince Kawab has now been debunked upon further discovery of the tomb and his name found in and around the Giza plateau. Additionally, it is now assumed that Djedefre constructed the Great Sphinx because the face resembles the face of Khufu rather than Khafre which further discredits the conspiracy theory. Hetepheres II, who was the wife of Prince Kawab married Djedefre but outlived him as well but married her daughter, Merysankh III to Khafre, her uncle with whom she had five children. Finally, the tombs of these three individuals are beautiful, especially the tomb of Merysankh III. The tomb of Djedefre introduced a new idea of art that included a statue on which his wife was chiseled which the kings of the V and VI dynasties would copy.  

References

Smith, W. Stevenson. 1998. The Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt.

www.osirisnet.net

Lyon, Alissa. 2014. Djedefre. Michigan State University.

The Dawn of the Age of the Pyramids Part II

A simple jewellry box found in the tomb of Queen Hetepheres I

     It bears worth repeating that the idea of the pyramid was not a new-fangled conceived idea of the III dynasty architect Imhotep and his pharaoh, Djoser. It was an idea first conceived in their own creation myths. This idea of a pyramid is found in the Hermopolian and Hierkonopolian creation myths where out of the primordial waters called the Nun, came a mound called a ben ben. It is this ben ben where the Egyptians first thought of a pyramid like structure so Imhotep made this idea a reality with the construction of the Stepped Pyramid. Now, fast forward to the IV dynasty, we arrive at the rule and reign of Sneferu about whom we spoke in the last entry. This entry or part of the series entitled, "Dawn of the Age of the Pyramids"will continue the saga that is the IV dynasty and Sneferu's wife Hetepheres.

This the bed of Queen Hetepheres I

     In our last entry, we discussed the beginnings of the IV dynasty and the basis on which Sneferu was able to build his pyramids. Sneferu, the Bringer of Beauties, was unfortunately not a king by birthright but rather through a marriage to Hetepheres I. According to Toby Wilkinson, Hetepheres I was the daughter of Huni, wife of Sneferu and mother to Khnum-Kufu who, in the last entry, was the
owner of the Great Pyramid on Giza. She was king's daughter, king's wife and king's mother which made her powerful beyond belief at the beginning of the IV dynasty. What we lack in information concerning her life, is made up what was found in her tomb. Hetepheres I, certainly, lived a luxurious, lavish, and ostentatious lifestyle that would envy anyone of the day. Her power even influenced her son, Khufu for Wilkinson comments that, "Khufu took orders from only one person and that was his mother."

   

Two rings worn by the infamous Queen Hetepheres I

What is most intriguing about Hetepheres I is the amount of jewellry she wore. A figure of the queen on her carrying chair, if you will, shows her wearing 14 bracelets at once on her right arm. Wilkinson continues to say that there seems to even be evidence of "palace-hopping." Items like a separate canopy, two low chairs and a bed do seem to indicate that the family moved from one palace to another. This also reinforces the wealth and power (the monarchy imported silver because it was thought to be more valuable than gold) the IV dynasty truly possessed as well. W. Stevenson Smith and William Kelly Simpson of Yale University, state that the growing strength of the monarchy during dynasties I-III reached its peak in dynasty IV which is why the kings of the IV dynasty were able to build such opulent, massive pyramids whilst at the same time nearly depleting Egypt's resources. As a result of this, there are no more pyramids built on such a grand scale throughout Ancient Egypt's vast and enormous history. This also led the kings of the V dynasty to build smaller pyramids, mastabas and shift their attention to Sun Temples.

     In conclusion, Hetepheres I promoted the general Sneferu to kingship with their marriage thus establishing a new dynasty, the IV dynasty. She was the daughter of a king, wife of a king and mother of a king which truly made her one of Egypt's first and most powerful women in such an influential position. She also led a life opulence and ostentation that would definitely envy anyone who lived in Egypt. Her tomb reflects the power and wealth that the IV dynasty possessed and enjoyed when the Old Kingdom reached its peak of power and prestige allowing these kings to construct such majestic marvels that not only dominate the skyline of Egypt but command the desert as well.

The Dawn of the Age of the Pyramids Part I

Sneferu's Red Pyramid courtesy of ancientegyptonline.co.uk

     This will be the first in a three part series as the author attempts to construct a solid story or report revolving around Sneferu and his three pyramids. It is also an effort to explain to the reader why the first two pyramids failed but the third succeeded. The IV dynasty of the Old Kingdom is one of the most famous of Egyptian history and why shouldn't it be. Marvelous pyramids coupled with powerful kings and the introduction of women in political positions gave them the opportunity to influence Egypt on a grand scale. This blog will follow the life of a king called Sneferu who was the father of the ever more famous pharaoh Khufu or Khnum-Khufu which translates into Khnum (Potter God of Egypt) protects him. The following paragraphs are an attempt to unravel the life of this once immensely powerful and influential pharaoh that sparked an era known as the Age of the Pyramids.

Sneferu, first pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty
courtesy of historyarchaelogy

      Sneferu, whose name means Bringer of Beauties, was the first pharaoh of the IV dynasty however he did not receive the title of kingship by birthright. Sneferu was actually a general before he became pharaoh but what allowed him to inherit the throne? Well, it was not a king or a brother but a woman who had more royal blood than Sneferu. Her name was Hetepheres and she would give birth to the author of the Great Pyramid, Khufu. Now, Hetepheres deserves an entire blog dedicated to herself so suffice it to say, in this blog, she is the wife of Sneferu and the mother of Khufu. Sneferu would go on however to build not one, not two but three pyramids that dominate the skyline of Egypt today; the Bent Pyramid, Meidum Pyramid and finally the Red Pyramid pictured above. Sneferu already had a model on which to base his pyramid, the Stepped Pyramid of Djoser.
     
   
 It must be noted however that again there is some debate surrounding the pyramid of Meidum. Some Egyptologists think that it actually belongs to the pharoah Huni who was the final king of the III dynasty. Again this aspect will be for a later blog as well.

The throne of Hetepheres coutesy of  touregypt.com

       Continuing with the narration of Sneferu's life though, it bears worth repeating that he was not a king by birth. That was left up to his wife, Hetepheres, however upon taking the throne (hence the dynasty change) he did set out on changing Egypt politically and economically. Sneferu, like other pharaohs of this era, raided and pillaged foreign territory, particularly in Nubia towards the south and Libya towards the west however nothing notable except of course the three pyramids. He would go on to reign another 24 years and then his son Khufu would succeed to the throne.

       In conclusion, although it does seem that nothing of note during the reign of Sneferu happened, it must be made known that although he was a military commander he also inherited the throne through the wise and orchestrated marriage to Hetepheres. He conducted raids to the South and West against both Nubia and Libya that resulted in the swelling of the coffers of Egypt. Finally, he would go on to construct three large edifices that are very noticeable in the Egyptian desert which will be discussed later en détail.

Two Prevailing Winds

    Having arrived now at the III dynasty, it must be noted that the kings forming the end of the II dynasty such as Khasakemwy and the kings at the beginning of the III dynasty are shrouded in mystery. It is debated among certain Egyptologists that the kings, Horus Nebka or Horus Sanakht are not only the same king  but the first ruler of the III dynasty therefore this blog will attempt to discuss the life of the pharaoh Nebka (Sanakt) and the debate from both camps concerning the position of the kings Netjyrikhet and Nebka (Sanakht). This will rely heavily on sources that seem to side with notable Egyptologists like Toby Wilkinson and Stephen Siedlmayer.

Cartouche with the name Nebka
courtesy of  wikipedia

     Although as mentioned in previous blogs, the lives of the pharaohs of the Old Kingdom are very little known but this will be an attempt to resurrect Nebka somewhat. Unfortunately, there is even very little evidence that leads to his tomb. According to Wilkinson and Siedlmayer  among other Egyptologists, the very existence of Sanakht or Nebka can only be taken from the seal fragments found in a mastaba simply labelled K2 which do allude to the doubtful probability that he is the founder of the III dynasty. Recent discoveries found in and around Abydos have proven otherwise contrary to his founding of the dynasty. At this particular time, the popular theory finds Sanakht reigning later in the dynasty and equating the name Sanakht with the name of Nebka as it is found in the Rammeside king lists (Wilkinson 1999). Wilkinson continues to say that a clay seal fragment that contains a cartouche. On it is found the hieroglyph for ka which marks the end of the name Nebka. Others such as Dietrich Wildung support Wilkinson and Siedlmayer's theory however Wildung thinks that the clay relief, because of its damage, is not suitable or valid (Wildung, 1969).

Relief of Sanakht courtesy of ancient-egypt.org

      Those against this prevailing theory include John DeGreef, Nabil Swelim and Wolfgang Helck. They propose that the name "Nebka" in no documents and tombs that date prior to Netjyrikhet (Wildung, 1969). According to Ilario Incordino, she proposes two theories supporting DeGreef, Swelim and Helck. The first theory suggests this, "the direct succession between Khasekhemwy and Djoser, based on some architectural similarities between the Djoser Step Pyramid and the Khasekemuy funerary complex (cult enclosure and tomb), on some Djoser seals found in Khasekhemwy’s tomb, and on some Queen Nymaathapi seals in sites connected to both kings (Bet Khallaf and Abydos), bearing titles which make possible to consider her Khasekhemuy’s wife and Djoser’s mother," (Incordino, 2008). Her second theory is as follows as well, "the existence of at least one sovereign before Djoser, and it’s based on many structural and symbolic differences between Khasekhemwy’s enclosure and the Djoser pyramid (which cannot be the result of a single generation); on the presence of the name ‘Nebka’ before Djoser in almost all the historical sources; and on the existence of some great rectangular enclosures which may fill the gap in the development of royal funerary architecture between late II and early III dynasty," (Incondino, 2008).

   In conclusion, all of these theories seem to have one theme woven among them which is the clay fragment with the cartouche of the hieroglyph ka. The former Egyptologists think that the clay fragment is enough evidence to support Netjyrikhet as the founder of the III dynasty whilst the latter Egyptologists either find the clay fragment invalid evidence for Netjyerkhet as the founder or as in the case of Incondino, the Queen Nymaathapi who was either the wife of Khasakhemwy or Netjyrikhet. It seems there are still more questions concerning this rather unfortunate conundrum that has pitted Egyptologists with two contradicting theories about the founder of the II and III dynasties.

References

Wilkinson, Toby. 1999. Early Dynastic Egypt

Wildung, Dietrich. 1969. Die Rolle Ägyptischer Bewussstein ihrer Nachwelt Band 1 Posthume                Quellen über Könige der Ersten Vier Dynastien

Incondino, Ilario. 2008. Reign of Horus Sanakht: Possible Founder of the Third Dynasty.

A Story about a Pharaoh and his Architect

   

Stepped Pyramid courtesy of Su
of Egyptian Monuments

     What comes to your mind when you think of Ancient Egypt?  Is it the lavish tombs of the New Kingdom found in the Valley of the Kings? Or is it the jewelry and opulent coffins in which the kings were buried? All of these things should conjure up images in your mind of the beauty and majesty of Egypt that once dominated the Ancient Near East. Of course the pyramids should be atop that list! Well, in the following paragraphs, there are two that set such an elaborate project in the motion. This is the story of a pharaoh and his architect.

Seated Djoser. Notice the positions of his arms
Courtesy of OdyssseyAdventures

     Djoser, or to use his Horus name Netjerikhet, was the first pharaoh of the 3rd dynasty and according to the Turin Canon reigned 19 years. There is some debate, but not much, considering a pharaoh with the name of Nebka about whom we know seldom. According to Egyptologist, Jacques Kinnear, in order to corroborate that Netjerikhet was initially the first pharaoh of the 3rd dynasty and disprove Nebka as the first, we must look to the women of this dynasty. There are three women who associate themselves with not only Netjerikhet's father but himself. The first woman is Queen Nimaathapu and her title was Mother of the King." She was the wife of Khasekhemwy whom the readers may recall was the last pharaoh of the 2nd dynasty and reunified Egypt during its first possible civil war. The second woman is called Hetephernebti whose title was "The One who May Behold Horus." This of course gives the claim that Hetephernebti was the Great Royal Wife of the king and finally there is a the third woman called Inetkawes with her title "Daughter of the King, (Kinnear, 2015)." Now all of these titles are rather easy to discern however these titles do provide Netjerikhet with the evidence to claim the throne. The fly in the ointment though is his successor, Sekhemet. Although their relationship is unknown, his wife even adds more obscurity by never mentioning Netjerikhet in her tombs or wall paintings but there seems to be more evidence for rather than against. His reign seems to be dominated by foreign policy and military excursions for he sent several expeditions in the Sinai to keep a military presence thereby establishing a buffer zone between Egypt and Asia. His ambitious building project however is what Netjerikhet is most remembered. It was he who orchestrated the stone monument known as the Step Pyramid however a man by the name of Imhotep was the tomb's master architect.

Imhotep with Scroll
Courtesy of TimeTrips

   
     If you thought that we knew very little about Netjerikhet, we know even less about Imhotep except that he was in the employ of three or four pharaohs, one of them was the above-mentioned Sekhemet, Netjerikhet's successor. Guenter Risse offers the most information about Imhotep in a particular article entitled, Imhotep and Medicine. According to Risse of the Western Journal of Medicine, Imhotep was the first physician to stand out in antiquity. His humility is what struck Risse stating that Imhotep never bore the name of swnw or physician (Risse 1986). It is also Imhotep who not only was venerated in later centuries but also but Greek mercenaries who equated him to their god Asclepius who was in turn god of medicine. What of his pyramid though? Well, it was customary and imperative for pharaohs to construct tombs in order to secure their place in the afterlife thereby perpetuating the existence of the universe. This was no different with Netjerikhet who undertook the largest stone edifice the world had seen. It was to be the crowning achievement of his kingship. Instead of constructing mastabas like the pyramids of before Imhotep and Netjerikhet conceived a new idea of tomb. The tomb itself is a six layered pyramid with a height of 62 metres or 204 feet. It had courtyards and temples and chapels that covered an area of 40 acres. It was indeed a splendid construct of ingenuity and sheer genius by both Netjerikhet and Imhotep.

     In conclusion, Netjerikhet's 19 year reign is marked by not only military expeditions into the Sinai but the great Step Pyramid itself  truly defined both careers whilst deifying Imhotep in later centuries especially in the Saite Period and Ptolemaic Period when the Greek mercenaries worshipped him as a god of medicine due to his occupation of physician. Netjerikhet and Imhotep were two peas in a pod having thus conceived of an edifice that turned Egypt upside down and launched a campaign of one-up-manship for the next three dynasties thereby ushering in the Age of the Pyramids.

Djoser's Pyramid Complex courtesy of TimeTrips

References

Risse, Guenter. 1986. Medicine in Perspective: Imhotep and Medicine A Re-Evaluation. Western             Journal of Medicine. 

Kinnear, Jacques. 2015. Biography of Horus Netjerikhet. http://www.ancient-egypt.org/history/early-dynastic-period/3rd-dynasty/horus-netjerikhet/biography-of-horus-netjerik.html#previous-photo