Sobek-neferu (fl. 1680–1674 BCE)
Sobek-neferu (fl. 1680–1674 bce)
Female pharaoh who was the last ruler of ancient Egypt's 12th Dynasty and co-builder of the famous Labyrinth. Name variations: Nefrusobek; Scemiophris; Sebek-neferu; Sebekneferu; Sebeknefru; Sobekneferu. Flourished around 1680 to 1674 bce; daughter of Amenemhet III (a pharaoh); sister of Amenemhet IV.
The daughter of Amenemhet III, pharaoh of Egypt's 12th Dynasty, Sobek-neferu succeeded her brother, Amenemhet IV, to the throne as a full-fledged monarch. She was the first female known to carry a complete set of kingly titles and is portrayed in sculpture wearing the kingly nemes headdress and a male kilt over her own dress. Like a dutiful heir, Sobek-neferu finished her father's great temple next to his pyramid at Hawara. This structure was so large and complex it became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world: the Labyrinth. The female pharaoh also constructed other temples throughout Egypt during her reign. She may have not married, as no heirs of hers are known. That the government did not collapse at the end of her reign and that she was recorded on official king lists centuries later, shows that she was accepted and succeeded in her role. She should not be regarded as an illegitimate usurper as has sometimes been suggested.
Barbara S. Lesko , Department of Egyptology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island