Chapter 1: The Oasis of Change

In the heart of the desert, roughly 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo, lies an oasis known as Faiyum, once a thriving freshwater lake. This area was crucial for the inhabitants nearby. Amidst the landscape, a mound of mud bricks stands quietly. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice a limestone foundation beneath the surface.

At first glance, this mound may seem insignificant when compared to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza or the stunning temple complex at Luxor. It is not a popular destination for many travelers today. However, it was once celebrated by Herodotus, the renowned Greek historian, who marveled at the monumental pyramid that once stood there.

"This I have actually seen, a work beyond words. For if anyone put together the buildings of the Greeks and displayed their labors, they would seem lesser in both effort and expense to this labyrinth," wrote Herodotus.

The grand pyramid was built for Pharaoh Amenemhat III (1818 BC to 1770 BC), the last illustrious ruler of Egypt's 12th dynasty. While he was alive, the construction of the pyramid was initiated. Yet, the spotlight often shines on a lesser-known figure in Egyptian history: Sobekneferu, his daughter.

Sobekneferu not only held the title of Egypt’s first female Pharaoh but also defied a millennium-old tradition, stepping into a role that was rarely occupied by women. Tragically, her reign ended under mysterious circumstances, and her final resting place remains undiscovered.

Her brief rule is pivotal for understanding Egyptian history, as it set a precedent for future powerful women such as Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra.

Before delving deeper into Sobekneferu's story, you might be curious about the crocodile-headed deity featured in the accompanying image. Let’s explore that connection.

Chapter 2: The Significance of Sobek

The name "Sobekneferu" translates to "the beauty of Sobek." The artwork in the highlighted image illustrates Sobek, the ancient Egyptian god with a crocodile head. Revered as the creator of the Nile, Sobek was associated with fertility, royal power, and military strength during the Middle Kingdom (1938 BC to 1630 BC).

The Faiyum Oasis, which we previously mentioned, was adjacent to a city dedicated to Sobek, known to the Greeks as Crocodilopolis. This devotion to the crocodile deity explains why Pharaoh Amenemhat chose the name Sobekneferu for his daughter.

During Amenemhat III's reign, Egypt flourished. He undertook military campaigns and mining expeditions that brought wealth in precious metals and gems into the nation. Amenemhat was also recognized for his monumental constructions, including the Black Pyramid at Dashour and a grand pyramid at Hawara, where he was interred. He further enhanced the temples of Hathor and Ptah and built a grand temple dedicated to Sobek.

After a reign of 45 years, Amenemhat III passed away, and Amenemhat IV succeeded him. Historians debate their familial ties, with some suggesting they were father and son, while others propose a grandfather-grandson relationship due to a significant age gap.

Amenemhat IV continued his predecessor's building projects but lacked a male heir. Following his death in the ninth year of his reign, the Egyptian elite made an unprecedented choice by selecting Sobekneferu as Pharaoh. Traditionally, women were not chosen to rule, as the Pharaoh was seen as the earthly embodiment of the god Horus, and a female ruler was thought to challenge the divine order.

Sobekneferu’s ascendance marked a significant break from a tradition that had persisted since Pharaoh Narmer unified Egypt. She received the full royal titles, distinguishing her from previous female leaders, and ruled as the "Son of Ra," the official designation for a Pharaoh.

Chapter 3: The Legacy of Sobekneferu

The familial relationship between Sobekneferu and Amenemhat IV remains a topic of interest among historians. Manetho indicated they were siblings and spouses, a common practice among Pharaohs to preserve wealth and power, a tradition that continued until Cleopatra's era. However, modern scholars often view Sobekneferu as Amenemhat IV’s step-sister, casting doubt on the notion of their marriage due to her lack of the title "King’s Wife."

Her rise to power likely stemmed from the absence of a male successor. She appears in the Saqqara and Turin king lists, which chronicle Pharaohs of Egypt, but her name is missing from the Abydos kings list, raising questions about her legitimacy.

Why is her name absent from the Abydos list? Was it a result of usurpation, or did her successor erase her from history? Scholars debate whether the concept of a female Pharaoh was acceptable in ancient Egypt, with some asserting it was a temporary measure. The ambiguous circumstances surrounding her death after a mere three years in power only deepen the intrigue.

Was her demise a consequence of her controversial position? Interestingly, Hatshepsut ruled for an extended period without rebellion, despite opposition from her stepson, Thutmose III, and Nefertiti wielded considerable authority as well. This suggests that the Egyptians may not have inherently opposed a female Pharaoh; after all, they had chosen to crown Sobekneferu.

Sobekhotep I and Sonbef, known rulers of Egypt’s 13th dynasty, have been identified as potential sons of Amenemhat. It raises the question: did Sobekneferu seize control from them? The truth may remain elusive.

Chapter 4: The Architectural Achievements

Remaining statues of Sobekneferu depict her in traditional female attire, yet draped in men's garments to honor the role of Pharaoh. Unfortunately, many of these statues are missing heads, with the only known bust vanishing from the Egyptian Museum in Berlin after World War II. The British Museum holds a cylinder inscribed with her name and titles.

Sobekneferu was also a notable builder, expanding upon her father’s pyramid at Hawara, which continued to captivate Greeks centuries later. Remarkably, Amenemhat IV’s name is absent from her constructions, although she often referenced her father.

Her reign lasted nearly four years, and the details surrounding her fate remain unclear. Scholars disagree on her successor, citing either Sobekhotep I or Wegaf.

While the Northern Mazghuna pyramid is speculated to be her burial site, no definitive conclusion has been reached. Sobekneferu’s time on the throne may have been brief, but it was significant. She shattered a tradition that had persisted for over a thousand years. Although we cannot ascertain her qualities as a ruler, it is evident that she laid the groundwork for the acceptance of female Pharaohs in the centuries that followed.

One of the future female rulers who benefitted from Sobekneferu's groundbreaking legacy was Hatshepsut, recognized as one of the most powerful female Pharaohs in Egypt's history.

If you found Sobekneferu's story captivating, you may also enjoy exploring Hatshepsut's remarkable rise to power and her profound impact on Egypt’s historical narrative.

Chapter 5: Video Insights

This enlightening video titled "The Pharaoh That Wouldn't Be Forgotten" by Kate Green delves into the life and legacy of Sobekneferu, emphasizing her groundbreaking role in Egyptian history.

In another insightful piece, "Hatshepsut | The Woman Who Dared to Become Pharaoh," this video explores the life and achievements of Hatshepsut, who followed in the footsteps of Sobekneferu, further solidifying the presence of female leaders in ancient Egypt.