4th Dynasty c. 2613–2494 BC
The great pyramid builders: Sneferu, Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The cartouche becomes the frame for the king's name.
- Period
- Old Kingdom
- Capital
- Memphis
- Famous monuments
- Bent and Red Pyramids, Dahshur · Pyramids of Giza · Great Sphinx
Pharaohs
Queens, princesses and builders
Dates are approximate; we follow Ian Shaw (ed.), The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt (2000).