Userkaf

Userkaf founded the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. His reign is conventionally placed between 2494 and 2487 BC, with dates uncertain by about twenty-five years. He succeeded Shepseskaf, guiding the administration from the capital at Memphis and fathering future rulers including Sahure and Neferirkare Kakai.

Userkaf altered royal building programmes by instituting the royal sun temple, dedicated to the worship of the solar god Re. His sun temple was constructed at Abusir, setting a precedent that several successive monarchs followed. For his own burial, Userkaf returned to Saqqara, placing his pyramid complex near the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Scholars know Userkaf through fragmentary reliefs from his temples, later king lists, and a celebrated colossal head of the king carved in greywacke.

Monuments

• Pyramid of Userkaf at Saqqara
• Sun Temple of Userkaf at Abusir

Explore further

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