Unas

Unas was the last ruler of the Fifth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom. He reigned from Memphis from around 2375 BC to 2345 BC, with absolute dates subject to an uncertainty of roughly 25 years. He succeeded Djedkare Isesi, who was likely his father, and maintained a stable rule for three decades alongside his queens, Nebet and Khenut.

His most celebrated legacy is his pyramid complex at North Saqqara. The interior walls of his burial chamber and antechamber were carved with hundreds of magical and religious spells known collectively as the Pyramid Texts, designed to protect the king in the afterlife. This innovation became standard practice for later Old Kingdom monarchs. The complex also featured an unusually long, decorated causeway leading from the valley temple. Egyptologists know Unas through these rich hieroglyphic inscriptions, contemporary tomb scenes of his high officials, and entries on historical king lists. Fragmentary human remains found inside his granite sarcophagus remain a possible candidate for his mummy. He was succeeded by Teti, inaugurating the Sixth Dynasty.

Monuments

• Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara (first Pyramid Texts)

Explore further

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