Shepseskare

Shepseskare was a king of the Fifth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom. Conventional chronologies place his reign around 2453 BC to 2445 BC, though dates for this era remain uncertain by about 25 years. He ruled from Memphis, succeeding Neferefre and preceding Nyuserre Ini.

Very little is known about his family, reign, or state activities. He is traditionally associated with the Unfinished Pyramid at Abusir, where ground preparation barely advanced beyond levelling and cutting the initial trench for the burial chamber. Egyptologists debate whether this site truly belonged to him, given the scarcity of surviving contemporary records. His existence and position are attested mainly through historical king lists and a small number of clay seal impressions found at Abusir. No royal mummy from his reign has been identified, and he remains one of the most obscure monarchs of his dynasty.

Monuments

• Unfinished pyramid at Abusir

Explore further

Try the name on the Cartouche Desk, or see where the reign falls on the timeline.