King Snefru

     Snefru is one of the more famous Pharaohs of Egypt. He built at least three (yes, three!) pyramids and reigned for at least twenty-four years (a number of egyptologists suggest a reign of close to thirty years, while others suggest close to forty years for the length of his rule). He was the father of the Pharaoh Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid, and a Prince named Rahotep, whose tomb held a superb pair of statues (one of Rahotep and one of his wife Nefret) which are today considered to be among the greatest works of ancient Egyptian art.

     A story was told about Snefu on the Westcar Papyrus, which was certainly written long after Snefru's death. The story goes that Snefru as feeling rather down and wanted something to cheer him up. One of his officials suggested an afternoon spent boating, with the most beautiful ladies of the Harem rowing the boat. This quickly cheered Snefru up, until one of the young ladies lost an amulet in the lake that was so prized by her that not only would she not row, she would also not accept a substitute from the King. This put a damper on the day until one of the King's officials parted the waters (long before Moses) on which the boat was sailing and reclaimed the amulet for the upset harem lady.