Old Kingdom
Shepseskare
5th Dynasty · 2494-2345 BCE
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Shepseskare is one of the least documented Dynasty 5 rulers. He appears in later king lists, but there is little secure contemporary evidence and his exact position—between Neferirkare and Neferefre, or elsewhere—has been debated. A small, unfinished pyramid project at Abusir has been associated with him, though the attribution is not fully settled. The apparent brevity of his reign may explain the thin archaeological record, but it cannot be established precisely. A careful profile therefore records him as a recognised but elusive king rather than assigning unsupported policies, family ties or dates. Research: Metropolitan Museum; Old Kingdom king lists.
Chronology: Shaw, Oxford History of Ancient Egypt (2000)
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An ephemeral ruler
Shepseskare is one of the most obscure pharaohs of the Old Kingdom. His reign was exceptionally brief, likely lasting no more than a few months or a year. Material evidence from his time on the throne is nearly nonexistent, save for a few clay seals and the foundations of an unfinished pyramid located in the northernmost part of Abusir.