Smenkhkare vs Userkaf

Evidence suggests Smenkhkare may have served as co-regent with Akhenaten in the final years of the latter's reign. Inscriptions from Amarna show them ruling together, possibly to manage the transition of power. This co-regency, if it occurred, was brief and ended with Akhenaten's death.

Smenkhkare ruled for a very short period, likely less than a year, during the turbulent Amarna period. He succeeded Akhenaten and may have been a co-regent before becoming sole ruler. His reign is poorly documented, and his identity remains debated, with theories suggesting he was a brother or son of Akhenaten.

Smenkhkare is believed to have been buried in Tomb KV55 in the Valley of the Kings. The tomb contained a mummy, a gilded coffin, and canopic jars, but the identity of the occupant is disputed. The burial was disturbed in antiquity, and the remains have been linked to both Smenkhkare and Akhenaten.

Userkaf founded the Fifth Dynasty, succeeding Shepseskaf. His accession marked a new royal line, possibly through marriage or a coup. The dynasty is known for its close association with the sun god Ra and the construction of sun temples.

Userkaf built a sun temple at Abusir, dedicated to Ra. The temple, known as Nekhenre, featured a large obelisk on a platform, an open courtyard, and storage rooms. This was the first of several sun temples built by Fifth Dynasty pharaohs, emphasizing the solar cult.

Userkaf built a pyramid at Saqqara, near the Step Pyramid of Djoser. The pyramid was smaller than those of the Fourth Dynasty, with a base of about 73 meters. It was built of rough stone and mudbrick, reflecting a decline in pyramid construction scale.