Why Did Pharaoh Break Pyramid Building Tradition?

Sneferu is believed to have built three of these monumental structures in the Meidum, Red and Bent Pyramids. His son Khufu built the largest of all, at Giza with the Great Pyramid, and Djedefre’s was on the highest ground at Abu Rawash.

Khafre built his next to the Great Pyramid but on higher ground to look taller, and although Menkaure’s was smaller, it was arguably the most beautiful both inside and out.

But then we have Shepseskaf, who is believed to be the final king of the 4th dynasty, and for some reason, he doesn’t have a pyramid to his name. He instead built a great mastaba in South Saqqara, a departure from the Giza necropolis used by his predecessors, but why? And why break the famous 4th dynasty tradition of pyramid building?

Well, in this video, I’ll be taking a closer look.