Khufu, also known in history by the Greek name Cheops, was the second pharaoh of the 4th dynasty of Ancient Egypt during the Ancient Empire Period. The 4th dynasty is considered to have been the “golden age” of the Ancient Empire, largely because of the quality and gigantic size of the pyramids built during this time. The pyramids of the 4th dynasty were larger and more refined than others built before or after.
What is the Pyramid of Khufu?
The Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the only one still standing today, in Giza, Cairo, Egypt.
Where is the Pyramid of Cheops?
The Great Pyramid of Cheops is located in the Necropolis of Giza, in the Haram region. The site also includes the two other pyramids of Chephren and Miquerinos, the Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the Solar Boat Museum.
How high is the Pyramid of Cheops?
The pyramid of Khufu is 138 meters high, it was completed around 2560 BC. The sides of the Great Pyramid of Khufu rose at an angle of 51.8 degrees, the base is 227 meters. Khufu’s pyramid was originally 147 meters high, but due to the removal of its outer shell and cladding, it lost 9 meters of its height.
How was the Pyramid of Cheops built?
The design of the pyramid was carried out under the supervision of the architect Hem-euno, 7000 thousand years later he is still the only and the best in the business. The construction lasted 20 years with the labor of more than 20,000 workers. More than 2300 million stone blocks ranging in weight from 2.5 to 15 tons were used in the project, and in the burial chamber, the blocks weigh up to 51 tons.
Inside the Pyramids of Cheops
The entrance to all the pyramids was on the north side because the ancient Egyptians believed that the spirit of the dead dwelled in the north star. If you pay attention, you will notice that in the Pyramid of Cheops there are two entrances because in the old days there was a coating on the pyramid that you couldn’t see where the original entrance was, so Chalif Al Ma’amoun opened another entrance further down, and this is the entrance that tourists use to see inside the great pyramid.
The importance of the Pyramid of Cheops
Archaeologists consider the pyramids to be good indicators of the economic and political stability of Ancient Egypt. It is notable that it took great resources to finance a pyramid and organize a workforce to build it The size and quality of its construction at different times throughout the history of ancient Egypt suggest that at its time there were more resources available to devote to the building during the fourth dynasty than at any other time.
Khufu improved upon the innovations his father introduced in the construction of the curved pyramid and the red pyramid, located south of Giza at Dahshur. Sneferu’s Pyramids were large and they are the first to exhibit the smooth sides characteristic of the Giza Pyramids, but the pyramid shape and ideal side angle needed to complete a structurally sound pyramid were settled in Khufu’s reign.
Seeing Khufu’s Pyramid and its sister pyramids Chephren and Miquerinos up close is like stepping into one of the movies about the pharaohs. Live the dream of knowing a part of Ancient Egypt, and have the chance to appreciate works of art that stand out at the Giza Necropolis. Embark with Gate 2 Egypt on an unforgettable trip to Egypt!
