Origins & Early Life

Hemiunu, sometimes referred to as Hemon, (fl. 2570 BC) was an ancient Egyptian prince who is believed to have been the architect of the Great Pyramid of Giza. As vizier, succeeding his father, Nefermaat, and his uncle, Kanefer, and the pharaoh's chosen seal-bearer, Hemiunu occupied a position of power second only to the monarch himself, overseeing all royal works by Khufu's decree. His tomb lies in the Giza West Field, adjacent to the Great Pyramid itself.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Hemiunu was a son of prince Nefermaat and his wife, Itet. He was a grandson of Sneferu and a nephew of Khufu, the Old Kingdom pharaoh. Hemiunu had three sisters and many brothers. In his tomb, he is described as a hereditary prince, count, and sealer of the king of Lower Egypt (jrj-pat HAtj-a xtmw-bjtj). On a statue found in his serdab, Hemiunu is given the following titles: king's son of his body, chief justice, and vizier, greatest of the five of the House of Thoth (sA nswt n XT=f tAjtj sAb TAtj wr djw pr-DHwtj).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Hemiunu's tomb lies close to Khufu's pyramid and contains reliefs of his image. Some stones of his badly damaged mastaba are marked with dates referring to Khufu's reign. His statue can be...

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