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Discover the Top 10 Fun Facts About Senusret I: Explore the Intriguing Life of an Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh

illustration of senusret-1
Dive into the intriguing world of ancient Egypt as we unearth some fascinating and lesser-known tidbits about the powerful pharaoh Senusret I!

1. Temple Town Renovation King

Wham, bam, thank you ma'am: Senusret I had the ultimate home renovation addiction, boosting the desirability of Temple Town with a remodeling spree that put Abydos on the ancient Egyptian map as prime real estate for Osiris worshipers, complete with fancy entrance halls and columns that would make HGTV swoon.
Source => projectglobalawakening.com

2. In-Pharaoh-structure Everywhere!

If Senusret I were a modern real estate mogul, his catchphrase would be "In-Pharaoh-structure Everywhere!": Senusret I was a prolific builder, contributing projects such as the famed White Chapel at Karnak and the pyramid complex at Lisht while also pioneering new gold and jewelry production techniques that flourished in his time, despite battling a famine disaster.
Source => touregypt.net

3. Senusret's Ka of Re Catchphrase

Before he jazzed up his resume with Southern border security, obelisk architecture, and diplomatic mingling, Senusret I was often caught muttering, "Hey, who made me the Ka of Re?": This Twelfth Dynasty Egyptian ruler (1971-1926 BC) was known as Kheperkare, meaning "the Ka of Re is created," and notably embarked on numerous expeditions to secure Egypt's borders and erected grand monuments like red granite obelisks in Heliopolis during his 45-year reign.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Senusret's LEGO Pyramid Blueprint

When Senusret I said "Go big or go home" while building his pyramid, he must have meant "Go big and make it structurally complicated": The unique design of his pyramid featured four stone walls radiating from the center, which created eight sections that were further divided by three more walls into 32 units, all filled with stone slabs and debris, and topped off with a limestone exoskeleton. This unusual approach had stability issues, but it essentially became an ancient blueprint for a cool LEGO set and an important archaeological site for pyramid construction techniques.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

OG Constructor: Senusret

5. OG Constructor: Senusret

Step aside, Bob the Builder, for the OG constructor was in town thousands of years ago: Senusret I, the second pharaoh of the 12th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, was the mastermind behind iconic landmarks like the White Chapel in Karnak and the Temple of Amun at Tod, and even pioneered a booming mining industry in the Sinai region to fund his majestic creations.
Source => worldhistory.org

6. Extreme Makeover: Ancient Egypt Edition

Move over, Extreme Makeover: Temple Edition! Senusret the First, aka Egypt's "Builder King", had his own monumental building bonanza: He not only built countless shrines and temples throughout Egypt and Nubia but also revamped the massive temple of Re-Atum in Heliopolis, the sun cult's HQ. To top it all off, he celebrated his 30-year reign with two red granite obelisks – with one still standing today as Egypt's oldest!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Diplomacy is Conquest: Senusret's Journey

Picture this: Senusret I taking the ancient world on a journey through the Nile and beyond, slaying enemies with his mighty scepter and often heard saying "You know, diplomacy too is a form of conquest": Senusret I showcased his military prowess by conquering Nubia and establishing Egypt's southern border near the second cataract, as well as expanding diplomatic relations with rulers in Syria and Canaan, ushering in an era of prosperity and power during his reign.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Senusret's Ancient Egypt Makeover

You could say Senusret I was the original "Extreme Makeover: Ancient Egypt Edition" host: he built a massive pyramid at Lisht, revamped temples like Karnak and Heliopolis, sprinkled memorial stele and shrines at Abydos, and founded a monument-building program across Egypt, shaking up the local temple scene.
Source => touregypt.net

9. Bob the Builder's Ancient Predecessor

Step aside, Bob the Builder: Senusret I was the OG architect and all-round fixer-upper of ancient Egypt! This pharaoh had a major flair for DIY, sprucing up Old Kingdom hotspots and extending his royal brand southwards with a few strategically placed fortresses: Senusret I extensively renovated stone structures at nearly all existing cult sites and religious sanctuaries, while also building and manning several fortresses along the Nile in Lower Nubia, showcasing his dedication to preserving Egypt's history and maintaining control over his ever-expanding realm.
Source => khanacademy.org

Senusret's Royal Art & Divine HGTV Show

10. Senusret's Royal Art & Divine HGTV Show

Like a cross between a divine HGTV show and a Pharaoh's royal art gallery, Senusret I was one ancient builder you couldn't ignore: His abundant building projects included constructing major temples and crafting dazzling red granite obelisks at the temple of Re-Atum, thus spreading a distinct "royal style" of art throughout Egypt and aiming to cement his name in history.
Source => ancient-egypt-online.com

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