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  • Nubian Heritage Egypt | Nubian History and Culture  | The cultures of Nubia | Nubian lifestyle

    Nubian History and Culture

    The area located in southern Egypt along the Nile River to northern Sudan. Most of Nubia is located in Sudan and about 25% of it is located in Egypt. Nubia, an ancient kingdom, thrived in the Wadi el-Khawy, a rich agricultural basin that facilitated Neolithic societies since the fourth millennium BC.

  • Spices from Egypt | Herbal Medicine in Ancient Egypt

    Ancient Egyptian medicine

    Ancient Egyptian medicine, often associated with magic and spells, is proven effective in modern culture. According to the British Pharmacopoeia, ancient Egyptian pharmaceutical formulas are 37% consistent with known ones. Ancient Egyptian medical texts provide logical and appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment steps.

  • Egyptian Cotton | the Best in the World

    Egyptian Cotton | Long staple cotton

    Egyptian cotton is the best type of cotton, which is called “long staple cotton” and is therefore exported to all countries of the world. The cotton industry requires the “ginning” step, which means ridding the cotton flower of seeds and separating it from the seeds, followed by several industries, including the manufacture of oils and fodder from the products of the husk after breaking it.

  • Taco Day

    National Crunchy Taco Day

    It's time to celebrate National Crunchy Taco Day on March 21! This day is an entertaining way to appreciate the yummy delicacies of crunchy tacos, as well as their long timeline. The taco has existed in Mexico since the 18th Century, and nowadays you could come across this delicacy in every part of Africa.

  • Oriental Carpet School in Egypt

    Carpet Schools & Factories in Egypt

    The town of Saqqara, located on top of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, sometimes called the Pyramid of Saqqara, is about 20 kilometers from the pyramids at Giza and is famous for its handcrafted carpets, which have long been a major craft for many residents. These village-based carpet weaving workshops have grown to be popular tourist destinations for local international tourists who want to take part in these kinds of activities while in Egypt and bring back some one-of-a-kind items.

  • Ancient Egyptian Pottery

    Ancient Egyptian pottery

    The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the oldest Middle Eastern archaeological museum, houses the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, spanning from pre-dynastic to Greek and Roman eras, including a significant pottery collection. The ancient Egyptian civilization's pottery art is a unique and sophisticated expression of their development, despite being the simplest form of art. This skill was known to the ancient Egyptians from the pre-dynastic period (4400-3000 BC), showcasing their advanced knowledge of pottery.

Fourth Dynasty of Egypt

Facts on the History of the Fourth Dynasty in Ancient Egypt

  • 05 16, 2023

The Fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt History

The reasons for the change of dynasty are still very obscure to us today. The period of the 4th dynasty marks the apogee of the Old Empire, the prosperity is such that the Kings will build themselves tombs – gigantic pyramids. Snéfrou, the founder of the dynasty will have no fewer than four erected. Except for two kings, the chronology of the 4th dynasty is quite well known. The first king to be disputed is Baka (or Bakarê) between Khafre (or Khephren) and Menkaourê. 

On the Papyrus of Turin (3.13) and on the List of Saqqara (2.0) there is a line where the name of a King is missing between Khafre and Menkaouré. The final member of the dynasty is the second troublesome king. It is only listed by Manethon as Thamphthis. No inscription or monument of the end of the 4th dynasty can be related to this name. The Papyrus of Turin is also damaged in this place, but it leaves room for a King between Shepseskaf and Ouserkaf (First King of the 5th dynasty). According to Pascal Vernus and Jean Yoyotte the end of the dynasty is dominated by quarrels between claimants.

The discrepancy between the royal lists and Manethon's is another issue with this dynasty's chronology. Sôris (Snéfrou), Souphis I (Khoufou or Khéops), Souphis II (Khafrê or Khéphren), Mencherês (Menkaourê or Mykérinos), Ratoisês (Djédefrê), Bicheris (Baka), Sebercherês (Shepseskaf), and Thamphthis (Djédefptah or Hordjedef) are the monarchs listed in the order given by Egyptologists today. The arrangement of the royal lists is supported by archeological findings, not Manethon's. 

   The economic policy of this period is based on the exploitation of natural resources: mines and quarries, and on the construction of temples and tombs. Campaigns, whether military or commercial, are conducted for these purposes, first by Snéfrou then by his successors. High civil and religious offices are given by the King to members of the royal family only. 

The office of vizier (tjaty) is created. This one is of course appointed by the King. It takes over responsibility for the central administration and is assisted by Directors of missions who liaise with the provinces. He is also the Chief of justice, he must enforce the law of Ma'at and presides over the Houses (ministries) including: The House of fields (agriculture) and the Double White House (The Treasury). He runs the Double Bureau (The Royal Archives) and controls police, transport, construction. The first Vizier is Prince Nefermaat, son of King Snefrou.

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The Fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt is renowned for constructing some of the most iconic and massive pyramids in Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu. These monumental structures represent the apex of pyramid building and engineering in ancient times, showcasing the advanced architectural and organizational skills of the period. The Fourth Dynasty played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape and culture of ancient Egypt.

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