Snefru’s son, Khufu (reigned circa 2580–2565 B.C.E.), learned from his father’s technological advances. But with the Red Pyramid at Dashur, he achieved what is widely considered to be the first true pyramid. It was Snefru (reigned circa 2600 B.C.E.) who covered the ground between a stepped pyramid and a true pyramid, albeit with some issues along the way-such as the limestone casing falling off the Meidum Pyramid and getting the angle wrong on the Bent Pyramid. The world’s oldest stone monument, the Step Pyramid, was built over a mastaba, an older form of a rectangular, one-layer tomb in use at the time and is considered the essential first step in the development of the pyramid. As the architect to King Djoser (circa 2650–2575 B.C.E.), Imhotep is credited with the development of a six-layer step pyramid at Saqqarah and is the only key figure we cite who is not a ruler. There are three key figures of the Old Kingdom ( circa 2700–2100 B.C.E.) who drove the development of Egypt’s most famous monument, the pyramid. We will look at three groups of key figures of ancient Egypt: those who contributed to the early development of the pyramid as an important emblem of ancient Egyptian society those ancient Egyptians whose leadership is noteworthy and important rulers from outside of Egypt.

Many influential figures in ancient Egypt, however, remain unknown to us because many records were lost or have not been recovered. Even some of these key figures have acquired layers of legend as their stories were carried through the centuries, making it sometimes difficult to separate myth from fact.

Although the Egyptians recorded their history through hieroglyphs and hieratic script, most of the existing records highlight political and religious rulers. If you were short on names, you could turn to websites, newspapers, television, and libraries to remind you of the people making an impact here and now.īut if asked to name the key figures of ancient Egypt, our range of roles and occupations becomes much narrower. People in all of those careers contribute to society in important ways. It might include a political figure, a religious leader, a military or civic hero, an actor, a musician, an author, an athlete, a doctor, a scientist, and an inventor. The list could include people from many walks of life.

If asked to name 10 key figures of contemporary America, one would have a wide choice.

Famous rulers