Khufu

Khufu (circa 2589-2566 BCE), also known as Cheops, was a pharaoh of Egypt's Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom. He is best known for constructing the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Khufu (full name: Khufu, known in Greek as Cheops or Souphis), was born around 2609 BCE and died around 2566 BCE. He reigned from 2589 to 2566 BCE, following his father, Sneferu, and further solidifying the power of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Khufu's reign is best remembered for his ambitious architectural projects, most notably the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest of all pyramids, showcasing an impressive mastery of construction techniques.

The Great Pyramid, originally standing at over 146 meters, is a testament to Khufu's ability to organize a vast labor force and utilize the state’s centralized power. While Greek historian Herodotus portrayed Khufu as a harsh and despotic ruler, these accounts have been contested by modern Egyptologists, who suggest that the workers were likely paid laborers rather than slaves. Apart from the Great Pyramid, few artifacts remain from Khufu's reign, but his name appears in inscriptions, including those at Wadi al-Jarf, indicating his role in Red Sea trade.

Khufu’s legacy is primarily tied to the monumental pyramid that bears his name, reflecting the central role of monumental construction in asserting royal power. He is commonly known by his Greek name, Cheops, and his Egyptian name, Khufu, highlights the blending of traditions and cultural interpretations of his time.

Egypt • |-2613/-2494| • Dynastie IV

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