In the annals of ancient Egyptian history, few figures command as much reverence and admiration as Queen Hetepheres I—a powerful queen who played a central role in the royal lineage of Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty. As the mother of Pharaoh Khufu, builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the wife of Pharaoh Sneferu, Hetepheres I left an indelible mark on Egyptian history through her lineage, influence, and enduring legacy.

Born into a time of great change and transition, Queen Hetepheres I rose to prominence during the height of Egypt’s Old Kingdom—a period marked by monumental architectural achievements, cultural innovations, and royal splendor. As the daughter of Pharaoh Huni, the last ruler of the Third Dynasty, Hetepheres I inherited a legacy of royal privilege and prestige, which she would go on to expand and solidify through her marriage to Pharaoh Sneferu.

But it was Hetepheres I’s role as the mother of Pharaoh Khufu that would secure her place in history as one of Egypt’s most influential queens. Under her guidance and tutelage, Khufu ascended to the throne and embarked on a reign marked by unprecedented architectural feats, including the construction of the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza—a testament to the power, wealth, and ambition of Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty rulers.