Overview:

Pyramid of Khafre is the second largest of the Egyptian pyramids of Giza and the tomb of the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khafre. It is believed to have been built around 2558–2532 BC, placing it the third-largest pyramid at Giza, after the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure. Its stone core rises to a height of 143.5 meters (471 ft) and had an original height of 136.4 meters (448 ft) and was originally faced with limestone. The pyramid is accompanied by a large mortuary temple and a cult pyramid complex set within a private cemetery. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Pyramid of Khafre sits at the center of the Giza Plateau. 2. It is one of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis and is the second largest of the three. 3. The pyramid is estimated to have been built around the middle of the 25th century BC (4th Dynasty of Old Kingdom). 4. The pyramid is made of layers of stone blocks and its sides were covered with limestone. 5. The entrance of the pyramid was located on the north face and connected through the descending passageway. 6. Pyramid of Khafre was topped by a limestone capstone, known as a pyramidion, and a golden pyramidion may have topped the pyramid in its early days. 7. The pyramid contains an underground chamber and two substructures along its Northern and Southern edges. 8. The pyramid is surrounded by a massive complex of mortuary temples, causeway and various other buildings. 9. Near the pyramid are several pyramids for other members of Pharaoh Khafre’s family. 10. The pyramid of Khafre is an important tourist attraction and a major part of Giza Necropolis, located on the west bank of the Nile River, in Egypt. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Pyramid of Khafre is a monument located at Giza in Egypt. It is the second largest of all of the three Great Pyramids in Giza, the largest being the Pyramid of Khufu, and the smallest being the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khafre was built by Pharaoh Khafre, a son of Pharaoh Khufu. Khafre’s pyramid was constructed with an unusual bent architectural style and is largely made of limestone. The Pyramid of Khafre would have originally been enclosed in a large limestone structure called an encasing, but since its dismantlement in Antiquity, only the stone core of the pyramid is visible. It was the tallest man-made monument in the world for over 3800 years. The pyramid is approximately 215 feet tall and is estimated to have been built around 2550 BC, during Egypt’s 3rd dynasty. The Pyramid of Khafre was built using limestone belonging to the Giza Plateau, which was the same stone used for the Great Pyramid and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The pyramid is a seven-stepped pyramid, and each step was encased in a layer of fine white limestone. An inscription was found near the pyramid, and it explains how it was constructed. The ancient Egyptians believed that a pyramid could serve as the tomb of the Pharaoh, as it was seen to be a heavenly home after the Pharaoh’s soul moves from the earthly world. A mortuary temple was built in front of the pyramid, and it is believed to have housed the Pharaoh’s body after death. The pyramid was extensively damaged over time due to the harsh Egyptian weather and also pillaging by grave robbers who stole valuable artifacts from the chambers within the pyramid. In 1925, a scientific expedition to examine the pyramids uncovered various ancient artifacts in the form of pottery, jewelry, and animal mummies. The Pyramid of Khafre is currently a popular tourist destination in Egypt, and many visitors enjoy seeing the impressive structure up close. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Pyramid of Khafre is the second tallest Pyramid in Giza and the second largest pyramid in Egypt, coming in at 146 meters tall and 215.5 meters wide at its base. 2. It is believed to have been constructed around 2520 BCE, making it more than 4,500 years old. 3. It was built for King Khafre, the 4th Dynasty Pharaoh and son of the great builder of the Great Pyramid of Gizeh, Khufu, making him the second king of the 4th dynasty to be buried in a pyramid in Giza. 4. At the very top of the Pyramid, sits a large limestone Pyramidion (crown or 'cap') which weighed over 15 tons. It is unclear today whether this was the original one used in the construction of the Pyramid, however, both the Pyramid of Khafre and that of Khufu are unique in that they have this kind of Pyramidion. 5. The entrance to the Pyramid of Khafre is located on the northern side, significantly higher up than the ground level. 6. Although it is not as big as the Great Pyramid of Khufu, it is constructed of higher quality limestone and finer joints between the stones, due to the fact that is was built later in the dynasty. 7. Despite being built more than 4,500 years ago, the Pyramid of Khafre still has many of its original limestone casing stones and these can still be seen in some parts of the Pyramid. 8. Unlike the rest of the pyramids in Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre has been the victim of extensive vandalism by ancient looters since its discovery in 1818. 9. The entrance to the burial chamber is located at the centre of the Pyramid, accessed via a long narrow passageway that descends around 17 metres into the heart of the Pyramid. 10. Inside the burial chamber, the remains of a sarcophagus were found, however, no mummy was present and the remains of the sarcophagus are now displayed in the Egyptian Museum. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era