Dashed left edge = started before this timeline ·
Dashed right edge = still ongoing
Events in 2620 BC – 2610 BC 1
2613 BC – 2589 BCSneferu -- the experimental pyramid builderSneferu (c.2613-2589 BC), first pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty, builds three pyramids -- more than any other pharaoh -- in the process inventing the true pyramid form. His first attempt at Meidum begins as a step pyramid and is converted to a true pyramid but collapses. His Bent Pyramid at Dahshur changes angle halfway up, apparently because the lower slope proved too steep. His Red Pyramid at Dahshur is the world's first successful true pyramid. The accumulated learning from these three experiments -- about angle, foundation, internal structure and construction logistics -- makes Khufu's Great Pyramid possible. Sneferu moves more stone than any other pharaoh in history.