The Pyramid of Khafre, also known as the Pyramid of Chephren, is the second largest of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau and one of the most significant monuments in ancient Egypt. It was constructed during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, around 2570 BC, and built for Pharaoh Khafre, the son of the renowned Pharaoh Khufu (who built the Great Pyramid). The pyramid is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid of Khufu but appears taller due to its strategic position on the Giza Plateau. Standing at 143.5 meters (471 feet) high, it originally measured 143.5 meters but, like the Great Pyramid, has lost some of its original height due to erosion over the centuries.
The Pyramid of Khafre is made up of approximately 2 million blocks of limestone, each weighing several tons, which were carefully cut and transported by laborers and engineers using the tools and methods available during the Old Kingdom period. It is considered a marvel of ancient Egyptian engineering, with its precise alignment to the cardinal points, reflecting the Egyptians’ advanced knowledge of astronomy and geometry.
The pyramid’s most distinctive feature is its near-complete original casing of Tura limestone, which gives it a smooth surface that would have gleamed brightly in the sun when it was first built. Though much of this smooth limestone casing has been stripped away over time, the pyramid still retains some of the original limestone at its top, providing a unique glimpse into its past grandeur.
At the foot of the Pyramid of Khafre is the Great Sphinx, one of Egypt’s most iconic statues. The Sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of Pharaoh Khafre, symbolizing the ruler’s power and divine status. This enormous statue, measuring 73 meters (240 feet) in length and 20 meters (66 feet) in height, stands as a guardian of the Giza Plateau, looking towards the east. The Sphinx’s mysterious face, thought to be a representation of Khafre, continues to fascinate scholars and visitors alike, contributing to the aura of mystery surrounding the pyramids.
