Neferirkare facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Neferirkare
Neferirkare II
The cartouche of Neferirkare on the Abydos King List.
Pharaoh
Reign	1 year and 6 months, c. 2160 BC (Eighth Dynasty)
Predecessor	Neferkauhor
Successor	uncertain; possibly Meryibre Khety
Royal titulary
Burial	unknown

Neferirkare (sometimes called Neferirkare II) was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. He ruled during the Eighth Dynasty. This was a time known as the early First Intermediate Period (around 2181–2055 BC). Much of his story is still a mystery today. We only have small pieces of information about his life.

Who Was Neferirkare?

Neferirkare was a pharaoh from ancient Egypt. He ruled during a time called the First Intermediate Period. This period followed the great Old Kingdom of Egypt. Historians believe he ruled for about one year and six months. This was around 2160 BC.

A King of the Eighth Dynasty

Some experts on ancient Egypt think Neferirkare was the 17th king of the Eighth Dynasty. They also believe he was the very last king of this dynasty. The Eighth Dynasty marked the end of the Old Kingdom. This was a long period of strong pharaohs and grand pyramids.

The End of the Old Kingdom

Many scholars see Neferirkare as the final pharaoh of the Old Kingdom. After his rule, Egypt entered a time of change. This new period was called the First Intermediate Period. It was a time when the central government was not as strong.

What Happened to Neferirkare?

It is not fully clear what happened to Neferirkare. Some historians think he might have been replaced. This could have been by the first king of the next dynasty. That king was Meryibre Khety of the 9th Dynasty.

Another idea is that the Egyptian government simply fell apart. This might have happened because of big problems. For example, there were times when the Nile floods were very low. This could lead to less food for people. Such challenges could have caused a lot of trouble across Egypt. This difficult time marked the start of the First Intermediate Period.