The Pharaos

Pharaohs / Dynasty 5

Neferirkare Kakai

Pl. 31 · also Neferirkare, Nephercheres

2475 BC to 2455 BC, about 20 years · Old Kingdom

Modern phonetic rendering, not a copy of an inscription

Neferirkare Kakai ruled Egypt during the Fifth Dynasty, with a reign estimated between 2475 and 2455 BC; his dates are uncertain by roughly twenty-five years. A son of Userkaf and Queen Khentkaus I, he succeeded his brother Sahure and continued building projects near Memphis.

At Abusir, Neferirkare began the largest pyramid of the local necropolis. Initially designed as a stepped monument, it was later enlarged into a true pyramid, though left unfinished at his death. His mortuary complex is famous for yielding the Abusir Papyri, providing modern historians with insight into temple accounting and priesthood rotations. Scholars know Neferirkare through these archives, rock inscriptions, and contemporary courtier tombs.

Monuments

  • Pyramid of Neferirkare at Abusir
  • Abusir Papyri archives

Explore further

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.