Weshptah was an official of the 5th Dynasty, who served both Sahure (2458-2446 B.C.) and Kakai (2446-2426 B.C.). He began in Sahure's reign, but later became the vizier of Egypt under Kakai. A well respected architect and the chief justice of the nation, Weshptah fell ill while attending the king. The court physician could not help him. When he died, Kakai was supposedly inconsolable. He arranged for the purification of the body in his presence and ordered an ebony coffin made for Weshptah. His son, Mernuterseteni, was ordered by the king to bury his father with special endowments and rituals. Weshptah was given a site near the pyramid of Sahure' in return for his services.