Nyuserre Ini facts for kids

Nyuserre Ini was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. He was the sixth ruler of the Fifth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom period. He ruled for about 24 to 35 years, likely in the late 25th century BCE. Nyuserre was known for being a great builder.

Who Was Nyuserre Ini?

Nyuserre Ini is also known as Niuserre Ini or Neuserre Ini. In ancient Greek, he was called Rathurês. He was a powerful king of Egypt. His name, Nyuserre, means "Possessed of Ra's power." Ra was the ancient Egyptian sun god.

His Family and Succession

Nyuserre was the younger son of Neferirkare Kakai and Queen Khentkaus II. His older brother was King Neferefre, who ruled for a short time. Nyuserre likely became pharaoh right after his brother died. Some historians think another king, Shepseskare, might have ruled for a very short time between them. After Nyuserre, Menkauhor Kaiu became pharaoh. Menkauhor might have been Nyuserre's nephew.

Amazing Builder King

Nyuserre was one of the most active builders of his dynasty. He built many important structures. Most of his building projects were in the area of Abusir. This was a special burial ground for pharaohs.

Building for His Family

Nyuserre built three pyramids for himself and his queens. He also finished three more pyramids for his family. These included the pyramids for his father, Neferirkare Kakai, his mother, Khentkaus II, and his brother, Neferefre.

Grand Sun Temples

Nyuserre built the largest surviving sun temple of the Old Kingdom. This temple was dedicated to the sun god Ra. Its name was Shesepibre, which means "Joy of the heart of Ra." He also finished another sun temple called Nekhenre, which was started by Userkaf. Nyuserre also worked on the valley temple of Menkaure in Giza. He was the first king in a long time to build in Giza. This might have helped show that his rule was strong after his brother's unexpected death.

Life During His Reign

There is not much information about wars during Nyuserre's rule. Egypt focused on trade and managing its lands.

Trade and Expeditions

During Nyuserre's time, Egypt continued to trade with Byblos. This city was on the coast of the Levant, a region in the Middle East. Egyptians also sent groups of workers to Sinai and Lower Nubia. These expeditions were for mining valuable minerals and quarrying stone.

Growing Government

Nyuserre's reign saw the government grow bigger and more organized. For the first time, special governors called nomarchs were sent to live in the provinces they managed. Before this, these governors usually stayed at the pharaoh's court. This change helped the pharaoh control distant parts of Egypt better.

Nyuserre's Lasting Legacy

Like other pharaohs of the Old Kingdom, Nyuserre was honored after his death. A special ceremony, called a funerary cult, was set up for him.

Honored After Death

This official cult for Nyuserre lasted for hundreds of years. It continued even through the difficult First Intermediate Period. It survived until the Twelfth Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom. People also started a popular cult for Nyuserre. In this cult, people honored him under his birth name, "Iny." They saw him as a kind of saint. They would ask him to help them connect with the gods. This popular worship continued for almost 1000 years after his death.

Images for kids

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  Neferefre, Nyuserre's elder brother, died unexpectedly in his early twenties after a short reign.

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  Fragmentary statue of a Fifth Dynasty king, likely Nyuserre

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  Relief of Nyuserre celebrating his Sed festival, Egyptian Museum of Berlin

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  Ptahshepses, vizier and son in law of Nyuserre Ini

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  Relief of Nyuserre from the Wadi Maghareh

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  The pyramid of Nyuserre Ini in Abusir

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  Ruins of the pyramid Lepsius XXIV

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  Ruins of Lepsius XXV in Abusir

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  Ludwig Borchardt's reconstruction of the Shesepibre

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  Red granite entrance portico bearing Nyuserre's titulary, likely from his sun temple, Egyptian Museum

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  Altar of the sun temple of Nyuserre

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  The pyramid of Neferirkare in Abusir

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  The unfinished pyramid of Neferefre

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  In the foreground, Khentkaus' ruined mortuary temple

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  Glazed relief showing Khentkaus II enthroned, Náprstek Museum

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  Entrance of the pyramid Lepsius XXIV, believed to belong to a consort of Nyuserre

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  Statuette of Nyuserre Ini of uncertain provenance, now in the Egyptian Museum

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  Head of king, probably Nyuserre

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  Section of the Karnak list of kings to be honoured by Thutmosis III. Nyuserre is the fourth seated king of the top row.

See also

In Spanish: Nyuserra para niños