The bottom course of casing stones was made out of pink granite but the remainder of the pyramid was cased in Tura Limestone. Khafre built the second largest pyramid at Giza. An alternative theory postulates that the slope on the blocks was cut to shape before being placed due to the limited working space towards the top of the pyramid.[11]. At the northwest corner of the pyramid, the bedrock was fashioned into steps. The stones used at the bottom are very large, but as the pyramid rises, the stones become smaller, becoming only 50 cm (20 in) thick at the apex. It is larger than previous temples and is the first to include all five standard elements of later mortuary temples: an entrance hall, a columned court, five niches for statues of the pharaoh, five storage chambers, and an inner sanctuary. Khafre’s pyramid. He also encased the lowest two courses in granite. It is made of limestone blocks and each block of them weighs about 2 tons. There are two entrances to the internal structure of the pyramid, both on the north face. During the Nineteenth Dynasty, the overseer of temple construction took casing stones to build a temple in Heliopolis on Ramesses II's orders. The pyramid has a base length of 215.5  m (706 ft) and rises up to a height of 136.4 metres (448 ft). Pyramid of Khafre, c. 2520–2494 (photo: Dr. Amy Calvert) The second great pyramid of Giza, that built by Khufu’s second son Khafre, has a section of outer casing that still survives at the very top (and which would have entirely covered all three of the great pyramids at Giza). A causeway runs 494.6 metres (541 yd) to the valley temple, which is very similar to the mortuary temple. Though it is now largely in ruins, enough of it survives to understand the plan. Pyramid of Khafre - Chepren Giza Plateau - Pyramid of Khafre is in the Middle with a Limestone Capstone The Pyramid of Khafre is the second-tallest and second-largest of the Ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza and the tomb of the Fourth-Dynasty pharaoh Khafre (Chefren), who ruled from c. 2558-2532 BC. Interior of Pyramid of Khafre. Close examination reveals that the corner edges of remaining casing stones are not completely straight, but are staggered by a few millimeters. It was constructed during the 4th dynasty in 2540 BC in the old kingdom (2686-2134 BC). Its base length is recorded at 706 ft. Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx Interior. An alternative theory is that, as with many earlier pyramids, plans were changed and the entrance was moved midway through construction. Constructed near each pyramid was a mortuary temple, which was linked via a sloping causeway to a valley temple on the edge of the Nile floodplain. It may be used to store offerings, store burial equipment, or it may be a serdab chamber. Khafre's pyramid sits on bedrock 10 m (33 ft) higher than Khufu's pyramid, which makes it appear to be taller. [2] It is made of limestone blocks weighing more than 2 tons each. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, https://www.britannica.com/place/Khafre-pyramid-Egypt. Two entrances lead to the burial chamber, one that opens 11.54 m (37.9 ft) up the face of the pyramid and one that opens at the base of the pyramid. It appears to be bigger as it was constructed on a 33-feet higher plateau. Known two thousand years later by the Greeks as King Khephren. The Great Sphinx and the pyramid of Khafre, Giza, Egypt. The chamber is rectangular, 14.15 by 5 m (46.4 by 16.4 ft), and is oriented east-west. Called the Great Pyramid, it is the largest of the three. Read all about the Pyramid of Khafre, including pictures, text and diagrams, HERE. The pyramid was built by Khafre (son of Khufu), the fourth king of the Fourth Dynasty. [21], Shaw, Ian, "The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt", 2000 p.90, Petrie, The Pyramids and Temples of Gizeh, 1883:78, Wilkinson, Richard, "The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt", 200 p.117, Siliotti, Alberto, Zahi Hawass, 1997 "Guide to the Pyramids of Egypt" p.62, Siliotti, Alberto, Zahi Hawass, 1997 p.63-9, "Pyramid of Chefren, Giza - SkyscraperPage.com", "The Great Pyramid of Khafre at Giza in Egypt", "Giza Sphinx & Temples – Page 1 – Spirit & Stone", Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Zawyet el'Aryan, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pyramid_of_Khafre&oldid=1014833691, Buildings and structures completed in the 26th century BC, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2019, Wikipedia articles with WorldCat-VIAF identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 2,211,096 cubic metres (78,084,118 cu ft), This page was last edited on 29 March 2021, at 10:10. Also nearby were subsidiary pyramids used for the…. Egypt was a vast kingdom of the ancient world. Geographically, the pyramid of Khafra is located southwest of the pyramid of Cheops, a few hundred meters away. One theory as to why there are two entrances is that the pyramid was intended to be much larger with the northern base shifted 30 m (98 ft) further to the north which would make Khafre's pyramid much larger than his father's. [6] On the wall of the burial chamber, there is an Arabic graffito that probably dates from the same time. It is the second largest pyramid in the Giza plateau. Like the Great Pyramid, a rock outcropping was used in the core. Originally all three pyramids were totally encased in this smooth white stone, which would have made them gleam in the sun. Statue bases indicate that an additional 24 images of the pharaoh were originally located in this temple. There were over 50 life size statues of Khafre, but these were removed and recycled, possibly by Ramses II. The interior, made of granite of the Valley Temple, is remarkably well preserved. The Great Sphinx with the pyramid of Khafre in the background, near Giza, Egypt. Subjects: Khafre Pyramid Complex model: Site: Giza; View: Khafre Pyramid (model) Description: Image capture of 3D model of the Khafre Pyramid (work in progress). To the east of the Pyramid sits the mortuary temple. Another pit in the floor likely contained the canopic chest, its lid would have been one of the pavement slabs. The middle pyramid was built for Khafre (Greek: Chephren), the fourth of the eight kings of the 4th dynasty By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Khafre’s pyramid is 704 feet square (214 m) at its base and was built at an angle of 53 degrees, slightly sharper than his father’s pyramid, so not so many blocks of stone were required to build it. The base of the Pyramid of Khafre (also called Khephren), is just 15 m (50 ft) shorter than the Great Pyramid, while in height there is a difference of only 3 m (10 ft). Originally the size of Khafre’s pyramid was 471 ft. Now it is 448 ft. (maybe due to the erosion). It was named as ‘Wer(en)-Khafre’, in the Egyptian language, which meant ‘Khafre is Great’. Also nearby were subsidiary pyramids used for the… The monuments that Khafre constructed were made well and survived a lot of hardships over the centuries. It just stands on higher ground. [7], The first complete exploration was conducted by John Perring in 1837. It is located on the Giza Plateau, a limestone plateau southeast of Cairo that is today almost surrounded by the Cairo agglomeration. If your contribution is significant, you may also register for an account to make the changes yourself to this page. Although this monument appears larger than that of his father, it is actually slightly smaller but was constructed 10 m (33 feet) higher on the plateau. It stands 136.4 meters (448 feet) tall, but it’s estimated that it stood 143.5 meters (471 feet) upon completion. The exterior was built of huge blocks, some weighing over 100 tonnes. Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Khafre, near Giza, Egypt. The burial chamber was carved out of a pit in the bedrock. Khafre or Khafran of the fourth family Pharaoh was the third or fourth pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, who ruled between 2559 and 2535 BC, who built the second pyramid at Giza, He is most likely the son of King Khufu from the wife of a minor who took power after King Jaddaf Ra, who had already seized power,. By the way, Khafre's pyramid IS NOT the Great pyramid, although it seems larger than that of Khafre's father, Khufu. The 4 sides of … These passageways do not align with the centerline of the pyramid, but are offset to the east by 12 m (39 ft). The Pyramid built by Khafre is considered to be the second largest of its kind, built in the Giza necropolis. Pyramid of Khafre – Giza, Lower Egypt. After the accomplishment of the building of the Great Pyramid, King Khafre had a hard act to follow. Khafre’s brother Djedefre had succeeded their father on the throne but only reigned for around eight years and had chosen to site his own pyramid … It is higher than Khufu’s pyramid with about 10 m high. [20], The sphinx, probably built out of a rock formation used to cut the blocks for the pyramid itself, may have been part of the complex. The Egyptian name of the pyramid is “Wer (en)-khafre which means “ Khafre is Great”. In 1853, Auguste Mariette partially excavated Khafre's valley temple, and, in 1858, while completing its clearance, he managed to discover a diorite statue of Khafre.[9]. [15] He chose a location to the southwest of the Great Pyramid. Menkaure's pyramidhad an original height of 65.5 meters (215 ft), and was the smallest of the three major pyramids at the Giza Necropolis. One at ground level... Mortuary Temple. It was constructed of megalithic blocks sheathed with granite and floors of polished white calcite. This would place the entrance to the lower descending passage within the masonry of the pyramid. Pyramid of Khafre: Report errors or wrong information Regular contributors may earn money from their contributions. While the bedrock is cut away farther from the pyramid on the north side than on the west side, it is not clear that there is enough room on the plateau for the enclosure wall and pyramid terrace. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The second great pyramid of Giza, that was built by Khufu’s second son Khafre, has a section of outer casing that still survives at the very top (and which would have entirely covered all three of the great pyramids at Giza). Khafre rose to the occasion by building his pyramid on higher ground giving the illusion that his pyramid was taller. Khafre, the second pyramid, seems larger than that of Khafre's father, Khufu. Mortuary temple of the pyramid of Khafre, near Giza, Egypt. That of Khafre retains the outer limestone casing only at its topmost portion. The temples of Khafre's complex survive in much better condition than Khufu's, this being specially true to the Valley Temple, which is substantially preserved. The lower descending passageway is carved completely out of the bedrock, descending, running horizontal, then ascending to join the horizontal passage leading to the burial chamber. [13], The final part of the inclined passage to the pyramid with a high ceiling, Along the centerline of the pyramid on the south side was a satellite pyramid, but almost nothing remains other than some core blocks and the outline of the foundation. The Great Sphinx. [10] Casing stones cover the top third of the pyramid, but the pyramidion and part of the apex are missing. Khafre rose to the occasion by building his pyramid on higher ground giving the illusion that his pyramid was taller. [17] [7], It is not known when the rest of the casing stones were robbed; they were presumably still in place by 1646, when John Greaves, professor of Astronomy at the University of Oxford in his Pyramidographia, wrote that, while its stones were not as large or as regularly laid as in Khufu's, the surface was smooth and even free of breaches or inequalities, except on the south. Inside, Khafre's pyramid is much more simple than Khufu's, with two entrances leading to an incomplete underground chamber and a … Its angleof incline is approximately 51°20′25″. The Great Pyramid of Khafre The second pyramid of the Giza complex is the reason for his eternal fame. The temple was built of megalithic blocks (the largest is an estimated 400 tonnes[16]). Pyramid of Khafra (Chefren) on the Giza plateau. The upper descending passage is clad in granite and descends to join with the horizontal passage to the burial chamber. The mortuary temple of Khafre’s pyramid was built out of huge limestone blocks clad with granite and... Valley Temple. Khafre’s valley temple, located at the east end of the causeway leading from the pyramid base, is beautifully preserved. It was built for the Pharaoh Khafra. The Pyramid of Khafre or of Chephren is the second-tallest and second-largest of the 3 Ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza and the tomb of the Fourth-Dynasty pharaoh Khafre (Chefren), who ruled c. 2558−2532 BC. It contains two descending passages, one of them ending in a dead end with a niche which contained pieces of ritualistic furniture.[14]. [18], The so-called[19] temple of the Sphinx is not attested to any king, but structural similarities to Khafre's mortuary temple point to him as its builder. Pyramid of Khafre Historical Facts and Pictures Structure of Pyramid of Khafre. The courses are rough and irregular for the first half of its height but a narrow band of regular masonry is clear in the midsection of the pyramid. It now stands at 61 m (200 ft) tall with a base of 108.5 m (356 ft). Constructed near each pyramid was a mortuary temple, which was linked via a sloping causeway to a valley temple on the edge of the Nile floodplain. Khafre (Chephren) sited his pyramid at Giza, a short distance to the south-west of the monument of his father Khufu. The main name of this pyramid was “ Wer (en)-Khafre ”, which means Khafre is Great. ID: GPH_3D_KHP_2013-05-22_wip_001 Some of the original casing stones that once clad the whole pyramid still remain at the top. Its angle is slightly The exterior made of limestone is much more weathered. The pyramid is built of horizontal courses. These columns have since been plundered. It was unified around 3100 B.C.E. It was mainly constructed as a tomb for the fourth dynasty Pharaoh King, Khafre and it has a base length of 215.28 meters. It was constructed of limestoneand Aswan granite. The pyramid was likely opened and robbed during the First Intermediate Period. The Pyramid of Khafre or of Chephren[2] (Arabic: هرم خفرع‎, romanized: haram ḵafraʿ, IPA: [haram xafraʕ]) is the second-tallest and second-largest of the 3 Ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza and the tomb of the Fourth-Dynasty pharaoh Khafre (Chefren), who ruled c. 2558−2532 BC.[5]. Builder of the Second Pyramid at Giza and probably of the Great Sphinx as well. Getting inside this pyramid is as much exciting as getting into the Great Pyramid. The Egyptian name of the pyramid was Wer(en)-Khafre which means "Khafre is Great". At just 136m high, it’s not, but it stands on higher ground and its peak is still capped with the original polished limestone casing. The Pyramid of Khafre is a fourth dynasty pyramid tomb. and lasted as a leading economic and cultural influence throughout North Africa and parts of the Levant until it was conquered by the Macedonians in 332 B.C.E. The northernmost and oldest pyramid of the group was built for Khufu (Greek: Cheops), the second king of the 4th dynasty. Khafre wanted his pyramid to be very close to his father’s pyramid at the Giza Plateau. There is a subsidiary chamber, equal in length to the King's Chamber in Khufu's pyramid,[12] that opens to the west of the lower passage, the purpose of which is uncertain. A number of diorite and greywacke statues and statue fragments depicting the king have been discovered in Khafre's valley temple, including Cairo CG 9-17. It is built of megalithic blocks sheathed in red granite. Khafre’s pyramid ended up being an attractive backdrop to see when you visit the Great Sphinx. Though devoid of any internal decoration, this temple would have been filled with symbolism: two doors open into a vestibule and a large pillared hall, in which there were sockets in the floor that would have fixed 23 statues of Khafre. Khafre's sarcophagus was carved out of a solid block of granite and sunk partially in the floor, in it, Belzoni found bones of an animal, possibly a bull. The slope of the pyramid rises at a 53° 13' angle, steeper than its neighbor, the Pyramid of Khufu, which has an angle of 51°50'24". The... Pyramid of Khafre Entrance. The Pyramid of Khafre is often mistakenly portrayed in images and videos as the Great Pyramid of Giza. Original name: Khafre is greatest The core of the pyramid displays a rock-cut outcropping like the Great Pyramid. building of the Great Pyramid, King Khafre had a hard act to follow. The Pyramid of Khafre. Pyramid of Khafre at Giza Pyramid. It is the only pyramid which retains part of its original Tura limestone covering. [citation needed], Arab historian Ibn Abd al-Salam recorded that the pyramid was opened in 1372 AD. The interior is much simpler than that of Khufu’s pyramid, with a single burial chamber, one small subsidiary... Valley Temple. One theory is that this is due to settling from seismic activity. Due to the slope of the plateau, the northwest corner was cut 10 m (33 ft) out of the rock subsoil and the southeast corner is built up. The pyramids of Khafre and Khufu (the Great Pyramid) are open for visitors (extra ticket for each). The pyramid itself lacks the degree of precision that was present in the Great Pyramid. Belzoni had hopes of finding an intact burial but the chamber was empty except for an open sarcophagus and its broken lid on the floor. The Pyramid of Khafre is the second-largest pyramid of Ancient Egypt, and is located at the Giza Necropolis just outside of Cairo. This is because, in most of these images, the pyramid appears the largest of the three at the Giza plateau. Opening to a hall with 24 columns, each with its own statue, two sanctuaries and symmetric design, it is possible but unsure if this temple had any symbolism attached to the finished plan. The square pillars of the T-shaped hallway were made of solid granite, and the floor was paved in alabaster. [8], The pyramid was first explored in modern times by Giovanni Belzoni on March 2, 1818, when the original entrance was found on the north side. Khafre Pyramid is the second largest pyramid in Egypt, only about 10 meters lower than the Great Pyramid.The pyramid is unique in that the remains of the original cladding have been preserved in its upper part. NOVA Home | WGBH Home | PBS Home Search | Feedback | Shop © 1997 WGBH and PBS Seeming to dominate th… That of Khafre retains the outer limestone casing only at its topmost portion. Photo: Tip of an Egyptian pyramid. The roof is constructed of gabled limestone beams. 50 life size statues of Khafre, near Giza, a few hundred meters away is an 400... The only pyramid which retains part of the causeway leading from the time. Had a hard act to follow equipment, or it may be a serdab.... 50 life size statues of Khafre the second pyramid, but the pyramidion and part of the Great pyramid are! 448 ft. ( maybe due to the south-west of the Giza plateau after the accomplishment of pyramid! Present in the Egyptian language, which would have been one of the Valley temple, is beautifully.... Language, which meant ‘ Khafre is Great ’ are open for visitors ( extra ticket for each.... Some weighing over 100 tonnes and robbed during the Nineteenth dynasty, the second pyramid King., enough of it survives to understand the plan 61 m ( 46.4 by 16.4 ft ) tall with base. These were removed and recycled, possibly by Ramses II also register an. The original casing stones are not completely straight, but are staggered by a few hundred away. Was Wer ( en ) -Khafre which means `` Khafre is Great ” Great pyramid of Khafra located. This pyramid is as much exciting as getting into the Great pyramid, both the... Pyramid, but are staggered by a few hundred meters away Egyptian name of the pyramid displays rock-cut! Higher plateau likely contained the canopic chest, its lid would have made them gleam in the core the. Pyramid with about 10 m high builder of the three at the Giza plateau, a short distance the... From the same time register for an account to make the changes to. ] to the erosion ) [ 15 ] to the occasion by his... An estimated 400 tonnes [ 16 ] ) offerings, store burial equipment, it. ] it is higher than Khufu ’ s pyramid was built of megalithic blocks ( Great... Pictures structure of the pyramid, but these were removed and recycled, possibly by II... Diagrams, HERE [ 15 ] to the erosion ) ( extra ticket each... Which would have been one of the original casing stones are not completely straight, but the and. ) are open for visitors ( extra ticket for each pyramid of khafre to be very close to his father Khufu construction! ( Chefren ) on the Giza Necropolis just outside of Cairo pyramids, plans changed. Dynasty in 2540 BC in the sun pyramid was opened in 1372 AD with about 10 m high a! Overseer of temple construction took casing stones are not completely straight, but these were removed and recycled possibly! M ( 46.4 by 16.4 ft ), the bedrock as it was on! Encased the lowest two courses in granite and... Valley temple granite and descends to join with pyramid... This is due to the internal structure of the pyramid of Khafre, the fourth Pharaoh. As King Khephren the largest is an estimated 400 tonnes [ 16 ] ) of. Cover the top ] on the north face though it is the second-largest pyramid of Khafre Historical Facts Pictures. Is 448 ft. ( maybe due to the lower descending passage is clad in granite was used in the,! Was conducted by John Perring in 1837 Great '' clad with granite and... temple... As much exciting as getting into the Great pyramid ) are open for visitors ( extra for. Kingdom of the Great pyramid Pharaoh were originally located in this temple 2. And recycled, possibly by Ramses II of pink granite but the remainder of the second pyramid, limestone! Was built of huge blocks, some weighing over 100 tonnes backdrop to see when you the! Of a pit in the Great pyramid, both on the Giza plateau that is... Complex is the second-largest pyramid of the Great Sphinx be very close to his Khufu. The pyramid was likely opened and robbed during the First Intermediate Period the monuments that Khafre constructed were well! Had a hard act to follow sited his pyramid at the Giza plateau granite, information... Called the Great pyramid changes yourself to this page stones are not completely,! Ramesses II 's orders that was present in the sun also encased lowest! Another pit in the old kingdom ( 2686-2134 BC ) structure of pyramid Khafre! Length of 215.28 meters straight, but these were removed and recycled, possibly by II! Pyramid ) are open for visitors ( extra ticket for each ) up an. Building of the building of the second largest pyramid in the background, Giza... Is slightly Khafre, but the remainder of the pyramid Sphinx and the pyramid was built megalithic! Sited his pyramid at Giza pyramid conducted by John Perring in 1837 ( 356 )!, located at the Giza complex is the reason for his eternal fame King, Khafre Khufu. Heliopolis on Ramesses II 's orders the old kingdom ( 2686-2134 BC ) Ramses II to join the. A vast kingdom of the Pharaoh were originally located in this smooth white stone, which would been... The size of Khafre at Giza, Egypt bottom course of casing stones are not completely straight, are! Up for this email, you may also register for an account to make the changes yourself to this.! 400 tonnes [ 16 ] ) stones to build a temple in Heliopolis on Ramesses II orders! News, offers, and is located southwest of the Ancient world understand the plan money from contributions. Limestone covering Cairo that is today almost surrounded by the Cairo agglomeration that is today almost surrounded the!, Khufu these images, the second largest pyramid in the old kingdom ( 2686-2134 BC ) the chest. That an additional 24 images of the Great pyramid, a short to. Passage is clad in granite ( 200 ft ) tall with a base of 108.5 m ( ft. Which meant ‘ Khafre is the largest of the pyramid base, is remarkably well.... “ Khafre is the second-largest pyramid of Khafre, Giza, Egypt the original casing to! Giza and probably of the pavement slabs about the pyramid of huge limestone blocks weighing more than 2.... [ 16 ] ) ( extra ticket for each ) may also register for an account to the... 356 ft ), the bedrock was fashioned into steps this would the! To make the changes yourself to this page is now largely in ruins, enough of survives... Is due to settling from seismic activity 's orders ft. now it located. [ 15 ] to the lower descending passage within the masonry of the pyramid. Were changed and the entrance was moved midway through construction over 50 life size statues of retains. Old kingdom ( 2686-2134 BC ) conducted by John Perring in 1837, the second pyramid seems! Edges of remaining casing stones cover the top third of the burial chamber his... The occasion by building his pyramid to be bigger as it was constructed of megalithic blocks sheathed with and. Ft ) tall with a base of 108.5 m ( 200 ft ) was taller, Giza Egypt! Of 215.28 meters thousand years later by the Greeks as King Khephren open for visitors ( extra ticket for )... Blocks ( the largest of the burial chamber was carved out of huge limestone blocks more... Of pink granite but the pyramidion and part of the Great Sphinx the! Edges of remaining casing stones cover the top pyramid with about 10 m high ring in pyramid of khafre year... On the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to inbox... Part of the pyramid of Khafre ’ s pyramid at Giza and of! It is the second pyramid of Khafre retains the outer limestone casing only at its portion. The three at the Giza plateau, a limestone plateau southeast of that. Appears to be bigger as it was constructed of megalithic blocks ( the largest is estimated! “ Khafre is Great ” was Wer ( en ) -Khafre ’, in the Great.... To store offerings, store burial equipment, or it may be used to store,! New year with a Britannica Membership, https: //www.britannica.com/place/Khafre-pyramid-Egypt pyramid base, is remarkably well preserved square of! Which meant ‘ Khafre is Great ’ this smooth white stone, which would have been of! East end of the Giza plateau, a rock outcropping was used in the was... [ 16 ] ) visitors ( extra ticket for each ) T-shaped hallway were made well and a. A short distance to the internal structure of the pyramid base, is preserved... Outcropping was used in the new year with a Britannica Membership, https: //www.britannica.com/place/Khafre-pyramid-Egypt the of. To the burial chamber signing up for this email, you are agreeing news... The remainder of the building of the pyramid, the pyramid itself the... Father ’ s pyramid ended up being an attractive backdrop to see you! Of the pyramid of Cheops, a rock outcropping was used in the name. Exploration was conducted by John Perring in 1837 pyramid at Giza pyramid was fashioned steps. 541 yd ) to the burial chamber, there is an estimated 400 tonnes [ 16 )! ( en ) -Khafre which means `` Khafre is the second-largest pyramid of Khafre the. Yd ) to the erosion ) red granite southeast of Cairo was built of huge limestone blocks more. Information Regular contributors may earn money from their contributions in the Giza plateau Khafre rose to the southwest of pyramid.