Snefru was a pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty. He ruled for 25 years, from 2613 until 2589 BCE. For more information check the Encyclopaedia of the Orient: Snefru. The Red Pyramid, built by the first Pharaoh of the 4th dynasty, Snefru, is generally considered to be the first real pyramid. The pyramid of Zhoser at Saqqara is 60 years older, but it rose in steps. By the time of its construction, the knowledge of pyramid building was still in development, and the sides of the Red Pyramid have the low angle of 43°, compared to 52° with the pyramids at Giza. Surprisingly for many, the Red Pyramid is Egypt's second largest. In volume. Its height was no more than 101 metres, less even than its neighbour Bent Pyramid, and 45 metres less than his son Cheop's pyramid at Giza. The Red Pyramid was the last pyramid that the 4th dynasty Pharaoh Snefru had built. But he never came to use it, he was buried in the Bent Pyramid 1.5 km south. It has its name from the colour of the limestone.
