Fact About King Shepseskaf | Last King of the Fourth Dynasty

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Fact About King Shepseskaf | Last King of the Fourth Dynasty

05 16, 2023

Last King of the Fourth Dynasty

After the majority of his 4th Dynasty predecessors chose to construct their funerary monuments, Shepseskaf (2472–2467) was the first to return to Saqqara: Dahshur, in the south, for Snéfrou (2575–2551); Abou Rawash, also known as Abou Roach or Abu Roache, for Djédefrê (2528–2518); and Guizèh, in the north, for Khoufou (or Khéops, 2551–2528), Khafrê (or Khéphren, 2518-2492), and Menkaourê (or Mykérinos, 2492–2472).

The fact that Shepseskaf did not build his tomb in the same place as his predecessors is seen by some Egyptologists as a sign of a change in religion and belief. During his reign, the cult of Ra was called into question, and the king would have preferred not to build opposite Heliopolis.

Other specialists see it as a desire to distance himself from the policies of his ancestors. Some give evidence that the immense constructions of Khufu and Khafre had completely exhausted the royal family's wealth. This last argument, however, is contradicted by the fact that Shepseskaf completed the funerary temple of his father Menkaure, something he would not have done if money had been scarce.

Pending further discoveries, the debate remains open, as the motivation for this change may simply be a question of space. For the King chose a sector of Saqqara that does not appear to have been used before: Saqqarah South. In fact, his tomb is the southernmost royal tomb on the site.

In the same vein, Shepseskaf chose not to follow the standard construction plan established by his 4th Dynasty ancestors for his tomb. His tomb remains typical in design, both in the layout of the funerary apartments and in the materials used. It consists of a mastaba-like superstructure with a valley temple (or reception temple) and a 760 m ascending causeway, linking it to the funerary temple incorporated in the mastaba's enclosure wall.

The satellite pyramid and the Queen's pyramid were certainly not built. The valley temple has yet to be precisely located and has not yet been excavated. The mastaba is in fact surrounded by two mud-brick walls some forty metres apart. The funerary complex was begun in stone, but finished in mudbrick. Perhaps due to the king's short reign. The remains of statues representing Shepseskaf were found in the complex, confirming that the cult was indeed practiced. These statues are now in the Cairo Museum.

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In ancient Egypt, the process of choosing a pharaoh, or the king of Egypt, was complex and influenced by a combination of hereditary succession, divine selection, and political considerations. Here are the main ways in which pharaohs were chosen:

Hereditary Succession: In many cases, the pharaoh's successor was their direct descendant, typically a son or sometimes a close male relative. This hereditary principle was common in Egyptian dynasties, where the ruling family maintained power within the royal bloodline.

Divine Right: Pharaohs were often regarded as divine rulers, believed to be gods or god-like beings on Earth. Their legitimacy was often based on the idea that they were chosen by the gods themselves to rule. This divine right to rule was used to justify their authority.

Coronation Rituals: Pharaohs underwent elaborate coronation rituals and ceremonies that symbolized their divine selection and invested them with the authority to rule. These rituals often included the pharaoh's crowning, anointing, and other religious ceremonies.

Political Influence: In some cases, powerful officials or influential individuals in the government could play a role in the selection of the pharaoh. They might support and advocate for a particular candidate based on political, military, or administrative considerations.

Succession Conflicts: Succession to the throne was not always smooth, and disputes over the rightful heir could lead to conflicts and even civil wars. The outcome often depended on which claimant had the support of the military, priesthood, and other key power centers.

Co-Regency: In certain instances, a new pharaoh would rule alongside a living predecessor or co-regent, such as a father-son duo. This allowed for a smoother transition of power and ensured stability during the succession.

Adoption: In rare cases, a pharaoh might adopt a non-royal successor if there were no suitable heirs within the royal family. This practice aimed to ensure a stable transition of power.

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