Khentkawes - A Female Pharaoh?

In the most recent issue of World Archaeology Magazine, Mark Lehrner suggests that Khentkawes, the Fourth Dynasty wife of Menkara, may have managed to become Pharaoh after her husband's death.

The theory is based on a proposed restoration of a carving representing her, which may have shown her with a false beard and an uraeus on her brow.

Dr. Lehrner also discusses his recent excavations near her tomb at Giza, which includes the re-excavation of a small Fourth Dynasty town.

While the evidence presented for this theory is hardly overwhelming, it is interesting and worth discussing. For more information, check in at the Ancient Egypt Research Associates website.