The Hello and welcome to the History of Egypt Podcast.

Episode 5, One who makes beautiful things.

A look at the life and times of King Snaferu, Lord of the two lands,

builder of great monuments.

Last time we saw how King Net Jariquette, also known as Joser, and his architect Emhotep, commissioned

the world's first pyramid monument, the Step Pyramid of Sakara, a marvel of engineering, now dominated

the skyline of Egypt's capital city.

Little did Joseph know that within just 50 years, his work would be surpassed.

Twice.

The year was 2,620

20 bc.e, approximately.

The Third Dynasty, which had flourished under King Netjadikat Joseph and his successors was now fading away. It had been 60 years

since work started on the step pyramid. Now generations later a new ruler sought to achieve something as great as his predecessor.

The new king of Egypt was named Seneferu.

Seneferu or Seneferu means one who makes beautiful things. How true that name was.

King Senefu would rule for about 45 years or so, and in his time wonderful monuments would rise in the Nile Valley.

Snifaru came to power at a time when the Egyptian state was rapidly developing, and the

country was growing richer.

Thanks to decades of political stability

along with some environmental blessings,

the people of Egypt were prospering at this time. The population was growing, farms were expanding, and tax revenues were increasing.

Put together, the new king and his government could look out on a wealthy kingdom and make plans for how to use it.

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