Old Kingdom
Djedefre (Radjedef)
4th Dynasty · 2613-2494 BCE
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Djedefre, also called Radjedef, succeeded Khufu and built his pyramid complex at Abu Rawash, north of Giza. The site was heavily quarried and damaged in later periods, which helps explain why it was once underestimated; archaeological work has confirmed a substantial royal project. He is often credited with the earliest clear use of the title “Son of Ra,” though the development of that titulary must be understood within a broader Fourth Dynasty context. His relationship to Khafre and the shortness of his reign are debated. The evidence supports an important, not merely transitional, ruler. Research: Metropolitan Museum; UCL Digital Egypt.
Chronology: Shaw, Oxford History of Ancient Egypt (2000)
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A shift in succession
Djedefre succeeded his father Khufu in 2566 BCE and oversaw his burial [00:09:34]. He was not the original crown prince; the kingship was meant to pass to his brother Kawab, but Kawab died shortly before Khufu [00:09:44].
The unfinished pyramid
During his brief eight-year reign, Djedefre attempted to follow his father's legacy by building an even larger pyramid [00:09:59]. He moved the royal construction site to Abu Rawash. However, because his reign was so short, the monument was never completed [00:10:07]. The succeeding king directed resources away from Abu Rawash to build his own funerary complex [00:10:16].