2023

Successor of Cheops

First of all, Djedefre was the son of King Khufu and the half-brother of King Khafrê. Djedefre ruled Egypt after the death of his father Khufu for some 8 years. He ordered the construction of this pyramid. Little is known about his reign. However, inscriptions can be found in the Dakhla oasis. In the Libyan desert, we learn that he went on an expedition, as his father had done before him. His aim was to extract minerals for pigment manufacture.

He was the first to bear the name “Son of Ra (Sa-Ra)” in his royal title. An indication of the growing popularity of the solar god's cult. Not only in Heliopolis, but throughout the country. Perhaps the king's intention was to emphasize the concept of “son of God”, thus identifying himself with a divinity.

Secondly, he was not the legal heir to the throne. It was his half-brother Khafre who took power after his death. However, there is no archaeological evidence to support this hypothesis. After his death, Djedefre may have benefited from a cult and also appears in later royal lists. An illegal seizure of power is therefore ruled out.

This king leaves Giza in favor of Abu Rawash a few kilometers away. The burial complex consisted of a temple, a satellite pyramid, a rising pavement and a host temple. It is possible that the king’s sarcophagus is still under the ruins. The pyramid of king Djedefre in Abu Rawash in Egypt, He built his pyramid away from that of his father Cheops, about 7 km north in the area of Abu Rawash. It was an extension of the old cemetery in Memphis. And archaeologists have found tombs from the First and Second Dynasties.

In addition, he built the pyramid in limestone. It is clear that the wall contained many granite stones. Unfortunately, the Egyptians used the area as a career. In addition, the entrance to the pyramid is located on the north side and leads to a corridor descending 48 meters long. The corridor ends with a large burial chamber 21 meters long and 9 meters wide, the height of the room being 9 meters. Scientists have also found a hole for the king’s boat east of the pyramid. In addition, they found the heads of the statues of King Djedefre in this hole.

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What was the period of Djedefre's reign like?

Djedef Ra started constructing his pyramid in Abi Rawash during his rule. The design of this pyramid was to be similar to Menkaure's pyramid, which was built later. However, the construction of Djedef Ra's pyramid remained incomplete. This period was marked by internal conflicts within the Pharaoh's family, which may have led to Djedef Ra's downfall and sparked a new conflict between his brothers.

Can you explain the significance of the Valley of the Kings for Pharaohs?

The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor in Egypt, holds immense significance for the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. This site served as the burial ground for many New Kingdom pharaohs, queens, and high-ranking officials during a significant period of Egyptian history. Here are some key points explaining its significance:

Royal Burial Site: The Valley of the Kings was chosen as the burial site for pharaohs due to its strategic location on the west bank of the Nile. In Egyptian mythology, the west was associated with the journey to the afterlife, making it an ideal place for royal tombs.

Secrecy and Protection: Pharaohs desired secrecy and security for their tombs to prevent tomb robbers from looting their valuable funerary goods. The rugged terrain and concealed entrances to the tombs helped in achieving this goal.

Elaborate Tomb Construction: The pharaohs spared no expense in the construction and decoration of their tombs. These tombs are remarkable for their elaborate architecture, intricate wall paintings, and hieroglyphic inscriptions. The decorations often included scenes from the Book of the Dead and other religious texts to ensure a successful journey to the afterlife.

Rich Funerary Goods: Pharaohs were buried with a vast array of funerary goods, including jewelry, furniture, food, and precious artifacts. These items were meant to accompany them into the afterlife and sustain them in the realm of the gods.

Continuity of the Pharaoh's Rule: The belief in an afterlife was central to Egyptian religion. Pharaohs saw their deaths not as the end but as a transition to a divine existence. They believed that they would continue to rule in the afterlife alongside the gods, ensuring the continuity of their reign and the well-being of Egypt.

Tourism and Study: Today, the Valley of the Kings is a major tourist attraction and a significant site for Egyptologists and archaeologists. The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 by Howard Carter brought worldwide attention to the valley, sparking a renewed interest in Egyptology and ancient Egyptian history.

Historical and Cultural Significance: The Valley of the Kings offers valuable insights into the religious beliefs, funerary practices, and artistic achievements of ancient Egypt. The tombs and their decorations provide a window into the lives of pharaohs and the society of the New Kingdom.

King Djedefre | Successor of Cheops 16 / 5 / 2023