Khaba
Pl. 20 · also Sedjes, Mesochris
2640 BC to 2637 BC, about 3 years · Old Kingdom
Khaba was a pharaoh of the Third Dynasty during the Old Kingdom. He ruled from the capital at Memphis, succeeding Sekhemkhet and preceding Huni. His reign was brief, estimated at around 2640 BC to 2637 BC, with dates uncertain by about 25 years.
Very little historical evidence has survived for Khaba's reign, reflecting the scarcity of records from this transition period. He is traditionally associated with the Layer Pyramid at Zawyet el-Aryan, an unfinished step pyramid constructed in concentric layers of local limestone blocks. Although the attribution remains disputed by some scholars, stone bowls inscribed with Khaba's serekh were recovered from nearby mastaba tombs. Outside these stone vessel inscriptions and his brief presence in king lists, scholars possess virtually no detailed records concerning his reign, court, or administration.
Monuments
- Layer Pyramid at Zawyet el-Aryan
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Try the name on the Cartouche Desk, or see where the reign falls on the timeline.
Dates are conventional and approximate. See method and sources.