Sobeknefru biography for kids

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This seal is made of glazed stone called steatite. Though there aren’t many records of her contributions towards Egypt, it’s likely that she oversaw the construction of a pyramid in Mazghuna. One statue shows her wearing both male and female clothing. Her patronage of the god Sobek would have helped her gain the support of the military when she assumed the throne of Egypt.

Columns bearing the inscriptions of Amenemhat III and Sobekneferu displayed in Cairo Museum.

What does Sobekneferu’s name mean and what is its significance?

Her name, Sbk-nfrw, means “Beauty of Sobek” and reflects her association with the crocodile god Sobek, making her the first ruler to incorporate this deity into her royal identity.

What is Sobekneferu’s historical significance in Egyptian history?

She was the first confirmed queen regnant of Egypt, adopting the full royal titulary and ruling as a “female king,” setting her apart from earlier female leaders who served as regents or consorts.

What dynasty and period did Sobekneferu rule?

She was the last pharaoh of the Twelfth Dynasty in the Middle Kingdom, ruling during a time when Egypt was transitioning into the Second Intermediate Period.

Flinders Petrie’s drawing of Sobekneferu’s cylinder seal in the British Museum.

How did Sobekneferu assert her legitimacy to the throne?

Her legitimacy was based on her relationship with her father, Amenemhat III, a prominent ruler of the Middle Kingdom.

sobeknefru biography for kids

She left inscriptions on granite columns at a temple in Kom el-Akârib.
 

Fact 7 on Sobeknefru:

Pharaoh Amenemhet III had enjoyed a long reign, concentrating on improvements to agriculture and mining rather than military conquests. But the new king would only rule for nine years before his death.

Queen Sobeknefru died after her very short reign leaving no heir. It is possible that she was buried in Mazghuna.

Legacy

Pharaoh Sobekneferu was known for wearing royal regalia designed for male kings. She also continued works on her father’s mortuary pyramid located in Fayoum.

Read More: How Ancient Egypt Treated Women

Death

Sobekneferu ruled for four years until her death.

She ruled for about four years. It is about 4.42 centimeters (1.74 inches) long.

Historians have found a few statues of Sobekneferu. And she was a female. Amenemhat III was also equally successful, if not more than his father. This supports the idea that she was Amenemhat III's daughter.

Where She Might Be Buried

Sobekneferu's tomb has not been found for sure.

Find fascinating fun facts about Sobeknefru for kids and the history, culture and civilisation of the ancient Egyptians and ancient Egypt. Queen Sobeknefru became the first known female ruler of ancient Egypt. The wife of Thutmose II, Hatshepsut is credited with overseeing the construction of many magnificent buildings, as well as sanctioning a trade and diplomatic expedition to the Land of Punt, an ancient African empire located around the Horn of Africa.

What made Cleopatra one of the most prominent queens in history?

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    Cleopatra had become embroiled in a series of relationships with some of Rome’s most powerful generals and politicians – i.e.