Qahedjet

3rd Dynasty

An entirely shadowy figure, Qahedjet is known only by one monument, an extremely finely carved stela in which he is shown wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt, in the company of the god Horus of Heliopolis.

The king's name, Qahedjet, is compounded with the word which signifies the White Crown. He is shown face-to-face with the god, whom he equals in height, the first occasion in which an Egyptian king is represented on equal terms with one of the great divinities, in this case the god who is incarnated in the king.

Heliopolis was an important center in the Third Dynasty, and a large temple was built there as early as the reign of King Djoser Netjerykhet, the second king of the dynasty. It is possible that Qahedjet is to be identified with King Huni, the last ruler of the dynasty, who is otherwise known only by his birth name; in that case, Qahedjet would be Huni's Horus name.

Back to Who's Who of Ancient Egypt

Last Updated: June 19th, 2011