Sanakhte was the first pharaoh of the Third Dynasty of Ancient Egypt (ruled 2686-2668 BC).

Also known as Nebka, Sanakhte's name means 'strong protection'. He presumably gained his position by marriage to a daughter of Khasekhemwy his predecessor as pharoah. The kingship even at this early period being passed down through the female line.

He was succeeded by the much more famous pharoah Djoser normally believed to be his brother. Unlike his brother, few relics survive from Sanakhte's eighteen year reign.