Khafre

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Khafre	Khafre (circa 2570-2544 BCE), also known as Chephren, was a pharaoh of Egypt's Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom. He is most famous for constructing the second pyramid of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Khafre (full name: Khafra, known in Greek as Chephren), was born around 2590 BCE and died around 2544 BCE. He reigned from 2570 to 2544 BCE, succeeding his brother Djedefre. Khafre is best known as one of the pyramid builders at Giza, specifically for constructing the second-largest pyramid, often referred to as the Pyramid of Khafre. His reign is also noted for the construction of the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is believed to be a representation of Khafre himself. The Pyramid of Khafre, though slightly smaller than that of his father Khufu, appears similar in height due to its elevated position on the plateau. It is unique because a portion of its original smooth casing remains intact at the apex, offering a glimpse into how all pyramids might once have looked. This pyramid showcases the ongoing ambition of the Fourth Dynasty and the symbolic importance of these structures as royal tombs. The Great Sphinx, located near Khafre’s pyramid, features a lion's body and a human head, thought to represent Khafre in an attitude of power and guardianship. It is one of the largest sculptures in the world, carved directly from the bedrock of the Giza plateau. Khafre is sometimes portrayed as a wise ruler, although little contemporary evidence provides detailed accounts of his political actions. Khafre is known by his Egyptian name Khafra, and in Greek sources as Chephren. Although details about his policies are scarce, his monumental legacy endures, reflecting the wealth and strength of the Old Kingdom. Egypt • \|-2613/-2494\| • Dynastie IV Synonyms: Chephren

Term

Definition

Khafre (circa 2570-2544 BCE), also known as Chephren, was a pharaoh of Egypt's Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom. He is most famous for constructing the second pyramid of Giza and the Great Sphinx.

Khafre (full name: Khafra, known in Greek as Chephren), was born around 2590 BCE and died around 2544 BCE. He reigned from 2570 to 2544 BCE, succeeding his brother Djedefre. Khafre is best known as one of the pyramid builders at Giza, specifically for constructing the second-largest pyramid, often referred to as the Pyramid of Khafre. His reign is also noted for the construction of the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is believed to be a representation of Khafre himself.

The Pyramid of Khafre, though slightly smaller than that of his father Khufu, appears similar in height due to its elevated position on the plateau. It is unique because a portion of its original smooth casing remains intact at the apex, offering a glimpse into how all pyramids might once have looked. This pyramid showcases the ongoing ambition of the Fourth Dynasty and the symbolic importance of these structures as royal tombs.

The Great Sphinx, located near Khafre’s pyramid, features a lion's body and a human head, thought to represent Khafre in an attitude of power and guardianship. It is one of the largest sculptures in the world, carved directly from the bedrock of the Giza plateau. Khafre is sometimes portrayed as a wise ruler, although little contemporary evidence provides detailed accounts of his political actions.

Khafre is known by his Egyptian name Khafra, and in Greek sources as Chephren. Although details about his policies are scarce, his monumental legacy endures, reflecting the wealth and strength of the Old Kingdom.

Egypt • |-2613/-2494| • Dynastie IV

Synonyms: Chephren