After the death of King Huni, the last ruler of the Third Dynasty, Sneferu launched a new epoch when he ascended the throne as first king of the Fourth Dynasty by marrying the former sovereign's daughter, the royal heiress. Sneferu's political organization of the country allowed him to achieve great ends. He led an extensive raid into [M 001 / Nubia] and later a smaller raid against the [M 001 / Libyans], capturing much booty. He was credited with the conquest of [M 002 / Sinai] and two reliefs of the king confirm his presence in the turquoise mines there. Traces of copper smelting discovered at a settlement near the Second [G 005 / Cataract] in Nubia show indications of its occupation as early as the Fourth Dynasty and Sneferu may have been responsible for its foundation. Also, timber for shipbuilding and pyramid construction were obtained from sea expeditions to [M 001 / Byblos].
Sneferu's highly centralized regime gave him strict authority over the country's resources and manpower creating a form of government that gave strength to the kings of the Fourth Dynasty. Most high officials in Egypt were the king's relatives, covering all departments of state. Although they may not have exercised all duties implied by their titles, the princes were ultimately responsible for all that happened within their jurisdiction. The office of [G 030/ vizier] was held by close relatives and became a very influential post. All important officials had their offices at the royal residence so that they could be restrained from gathering too much clout elsewhere.
Known as a kind and beneficent ruler (when compared to the rule of his sons Cheops and Chephren), Sneferu held extensive estates throughout the country to finance his mortuary cult.
The three pyramids he completed bring us near the summit of Egyptian architecture. Huni's pyramid at [M 002 / Meidum] and the Bent Pyramid at [M 002/ Dahshur] were built along the same lines as Zoser's [V 012 / Step Pyramid], but the Low Pyramid at Dahshur was architecturally the first true pyramid and served as a prototype for the Great Pyramid at [M 002 / Giza].
