Pyramid of Khafre
Words are not enough to express how the three pyramids are one of the oldest buildings since the beginning of creation, this is the secret of why they remain the oldest of the remaining of seventh wonders in the whole world as they were built around 2570 B.C. Egyptian history was influenced by different factors such as relations, environment, religion, politics, and the treatment of the citizens.
The three Pyramids were built by three Kings of Egypt, the First king is "Khufu, Khafre, and King Minkaure" with hundreds of feet tall, giant stones of around 2.5 tons per stone in the old ages. Our topic today will be "The Pyramid of King Khafre" the King who built the second biggest Pyramid in Egypt and the Great Sphinx. This reflects the truth of the power of the King, and how he was a genius, smart, and a great ruler.
Khafre Pyramid Location
Khafre Pyramid is located in the Giza Necropolis. It is situated to the southwest of the Pyramid of Cheops and sits near the center of the Giza plateau outside of Cairo.
Who is King Khafre?
"King Khafre" (2576:2551 BC) was an Egyptian King, he was called also "Khafra, Khefren, and Chephren" in the language of local Egyptians. He is famous for one of his greatest achievements as he has the second-largest Pyramid in Giza. Khafre is the fourth king in his family, he ruled the country for 24 years which might be longer than this period. King Khafre was the son of King "Khufu", we could not get the name of his mother due to the lack of evidence but many scholars think that he is the son of "Queen Merititites".
His brothers were kings Djedftre, Babaef, Kawab, Djesefhor, and Nefrmaat II. He had married his sister queen "Khamermenebti", and perhaps three other queens "Queen Khamerernebtry I, Queen Hekenuhedjet, and Queen Meresankh III". It was believed that Queen Mersankh III was the niece of King Khafre. His Pyramid is located at the southwest Pyramid of his father "King Khufu". The Great King had another achievement as he built The Great Sphinx. “King Khafre” was buried in the Pyramid that he had built before his death.
Khafre Pyramid History
The pyramid of King Khafre is the second largest pyramid in Egypt and the whole world generally. This Pyramid was built by the ancient Egyptians themselves without using any instruments in primitive life as they had built it around 2570 BC. Many tourists consider The Pyramid of "Khafre" to be one of the most beautiful pyramids among the three Pyramids or generally among the whole pyramids in Egypt due to its height and weight and how big is it! Inside The Pyramid, you will find out how beautiful it is as its walls were covered with amazing paintings. He also built the Great Sphinx which has a body of a lion and a head that looks like a pharaoh.
The Pyramid of Khafre was built by more than 400,000 workers over 20 Years using old instruments. In the modern ages, you can use not less than 2000 workers by using stone-carrying vehicles, helicopters, and cranes for almost 5 years or more to have only one Pyramid. One of the theories states that "The Pyramid of Khafre" was built by skilled Egyptian workers who built it for salary as a form of tax payment, another theory states that it was built by the slaves themselves for only food and drink. As far as are concerned, we think the Pyramid of Khafre was not built by slaves at all, it was built by the farmers during the flooding, as they had nothing to do or had no work during this period.
What is the Purpose of Building the Pyramid of Khufu in Giza?
King Khafre choose the west especially as he believed that the sun dies in the west every night. The Pyramid was intended for religious reasons as he was expected to be a God in the afterlife, which is why he had chosen this location to bury in, and for believing that he will live after his death, and that is the reason why he had saved such as gold, pottery, clothes, jewelry, and other sorts of items to help them later to live well.
There is a theory that states that "King Khafre" choose this location to bear the weight of the heavy pyramid in Giza, this theory proves by the time that it is truly as the Pyramid of “Meidum” collapsed over time until it disappeared by time. The pyramid of Khafre is set as a reminder every day to the whole world to prove his glorification of life even after his death as a part of his religious thoughts.
How Was the Pyramid of Khafre Built Step by Step?
Some theories prove that the Pyramid of Khafre was built in many ways, let us explain the most popular theories:
1- The Ramp Theory
This theory is the most accepted one among the whole theories as scholars believe that the ancient Egyptian used to drag stones on wet sands to reduce the fraction and to make the process easier. Then they drag these stones one by one as it is too heavy to the top. There are a number of facts that support this theory.
2- The Water Shaft Theory
This theory states that the stones were transported through the water canal on many boats made of wood and all these stones were attached together to can pull them from the shore.
These are the most popular theories that discussed how the ancient Egyptians built the Pyramid of Khafre but there is no evidence that proved them 100%, they are still theories! The ancient Egyptians had to move and transport these heavy blocks of thousands of large stones as they had to move about 4.880.000 tons from the east to the west, just IMAGINE the DISTANCE!! And how they built such greatness with old instruments and reached the top of the Glory.
What Are the Structures of the Pyramid of Khafre?
There are some features that specialize Khafre Pyramid from any other Pyramid, in this paragraph, we will know more that it is the second biggest pyramid in Giza.
1- The estimated weight of the Pyramid of Khafre is 4.880.000 tons.
2- The Pyramid was made of limestone blocks.
3- The Pyramid stands 473 feet.
4- The pyramid of Khafre has a base length of 215.5 m (706 ft)
5- The tomb of Khafre has the shape of a quadrangular pyramid.
6- The side of the Pyramid is 210.5m
7- The pyramid has 5 rooms.
8- There is a room with an area of 15m.
9- The four faces of Khafre’s Pyramid represent the shape of a triangle.
10- The temperature inside the Pyramid of Khafre is 20c.
After knowing this great information, take a DEEP BREATH and imagine how great it is, and continue reading to learn more about the Egyptian glory.
What Is Inside the Khafre Pyramid?
The Pyramid of "Khafre" was opened and robbed during the intermediate period, as it was full of treasures, but today you can go inside the Pyramid of Khafre and enter to see the coffins of the ancient Kings of Egypt and the royal tombs. The findings revealed that there is a hidden world full of secret chambers that were unexpected. They found inside "The Pyramid of Khafre" burial equipment such as jewelry, mummy parts, mummies, and sarcophagi.
The higher entrance of the Pyramid is 11.54 meters above the level ground, and the lower entrance begins at the ground level. When you descend, you will find a large empty cavity on the left side, and a passage leading to a chamber on the right side.
This chamber is 14' * 10 *, and has no sarcophagus, but includes a pointed ceiling. It is believed that this chamber had served for the storage of offering materials like treasures, or perhaps it was the chamber of the queen. If you continue to the south of the passageway, it will lead you to the burial chamber which is 46.5ft long, and 16.5ft wide. The floor was made of alabaster, and the south side connects to two chambers.
Who's ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Pyramid of Khafre? We are going to take you to the most incredible places! Get ready for days of exploring dazzling temples, sailing down the Nile, and discovering all the secrets that Egypt has to offer. You're going to love it, we promise!
Relationship between the Pyramid and Valley of Temple
This valley was used as a mortuary place or a temple for “King Khafre” and his family, it is a part of the Giza Complex Pyramids. The Temple is located east of "The Pyramid of Chefren" in Giza, and it is closer to the Great sphinx, it was built for two reasons; First to serve the mummy of the king before its burial, and second, it was used for making the mummification progress of the King. The Statue of the Khafre was discovered in the 1860s.
The Valley of King Khafre is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Egypt, as it’s a unique highlight and great proof of how important to see and touch the civilization itself.
Relationship with the Great Sphinx of Giza
Most scholars agreed that King Khafre is the king who built the Great sphinx, however, some scholars believed that it was built by his brother King “Djedefre” to memorialize their father King Khufu”. Scholars remain in an argument as have no particular theory that proves that a specific King built the Great Sphinx; but all agreed that this statue is unparalleled in the whole world, as this statue measures 240 feet long (73m) and stands 66 feet high (20m).
Finally, “Khafre" succeeded to built his Pyramid and the Sphinx next to his father "King Khufu" as it was believed that “Khafre” is the owner of the Great Sphinx because his facial face looks like him, this reflects his power and strength during his rule. Certain evidence strongly refers to the material of limestone that the Pyramid of Khafre was built as the same material that built the Great Sphinx. The ancient Egyptians did not use the word "Statue" but the Greek people did, then this word became popular among ancient Egyptians.
What Are the Seventh Great Facts about the Pyramid of Khafre?
- The pyramid of Khafre had dangerous damage in the fourteen century that could damage the lighthouse of Alexandria it exists until now and this is great proof of why this pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- After 500m from the Pyramid of Khufu, they found remains of the city of workers who had everything for the necessary services to live well such as medicines, bakeries, and clothes, which proves that the kings had carried with them and they were not slaves.
- King Khafre decided to build the Pyramid as a tomb for his next life as a demonstration of strength and power.
- The Khafre pyramid is located in the southwest of the Pyramid of his father "King Khufu".
- The Pyramid stands for 473 feet.
- King Khafra's statue is one of the most important monuments from ancient Egypt in the world, and it is located in the Egyptian museum.
- The main hall of the temple of Khafre is the most interesting view you will ever see of the shape of the letter “T”, so. The light of the sun falling apart on the whole statue of the pharaoh, and their numbers are "twenty-three".
Activities You Should Not Miss at the Pyramid of Khafre
1. Seeing the Pyramid of Khafre
You will enjoy seeing how great the Pyramid of "Khafre" which rises up to a 163.4m, "The Pyramid of Khafre", and was called in the past “The Great Pyramid although it looks smaller than the Pyramid of “Khufu” because it was built on a higher level. You will be able to see the place where it stood 473 feet originally. The estimated weight of the Pyramid of Khafre is 4.880.000 tons! JUST IMAGINE how great it is!!!
For more additional fees, you will be able to see how the Pharaoh used to live, think and deal with life itself, you will enjoy watching the tomb from inside, clothes, jewelry, and clay pots. This proves that the ancient Egyptians were genius and very good builders.
2. Enjoy Watching the Great Sphinx
When I saw it for the first time, I still remember that it took my breath away from its greatness! Can you imagine its magnitude? A giant statue with a head of a human and the body of an animal! I heard about its tall and weight but when you see it in real you will think for some minutes "HOW COULD THEY BUILT IT WITH SUCH GREATNESS?"
The Great Sphinx measures 73m long, 19m wide, and 20m high from the base to the top of his head! You will wish that you could turn back time to these days to witness such Glory!
3- Walking to the Pyramid of Khafre for A Panoramic View
Do not miss the chance to ask where exactly the Panoramic view is. Needless to ask because you will find many tourists waiting to take pictures that hold the Pyramid of Khafre, trying to put their glasses in their eyes or give them a bottle of water to drink.
4- Enjoy Camel Rides
Try this experience as it is a part of your amazing tour, there is no trip without hiring at least 30 minutes to witness the Pyramid of Khafre while riding a camel. The best time to enjoy the experience is before sunrise as the weather is so much warm, and the view is pretty good. Do not forget to ask the camel handler to take a picture on the spot.
5- Sound and Light show
Did you hear about the sound and light show? Or do you want to try a different idea during the night in Cairo? Let me explain it…
The Sound and Light Show lasts for at least thirty minutes, you will learn some amazing facts about the “The Pyramid of Khafre” and also “The Great Sphinx” and how they built the Pyramids, and many facts you will enjoy listening to, and watching it.
The Sound and Light show is not expensive as it starts from 35$ per person. And do not worry at all as you there are many languages such as English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, etc.
6- Quad Bike at the pyramid of Khafre
Enjoy one of the most interesting experiences at the Pyramid of Khafre. This tour is specially designed for travelers who like to try something different in the Desert, it starts from 35$ per person. It is suitable for individuals, families, and large groups. You can book it on your own or with a travel agency to facilitate your tour. Do not forget to have good pictures during this adventure or a short video to memorize this amazing experience.
7- Going on Horse Drawn Carriage around the Pyramid of Khafre
If you do not prefer camel rides, there is an alternative tour that was designed for you, and it is different from the horse ride itself. The Horse Carriage has two wheels, it used to transport people and goods in the past, rich people and kings used to ride it. The horse carriage was in 3000 BC by "The Mesopotamians".
You can try it for thirty minutes around the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx, do not forget to record a video while riding it and take some selfies.
How Can You Visit the Khafre Pyramid?
1- You can arrange this tour on your own if you are in Egypt but as wise advice try to book it with a travel agency to have an Egyptologist during your tour and also it will provide you with transportation to avoid hassles and crowding.
2- If you have almost 7 hours at Cairo Airport, do not waste your time waiting your time by waiting for the next flight, exploit your time and come on!! Many travel agencies will help you get your visa and will provide a rep to assist you also. Then they will pick you up from the Airport by a modern vehicle to start one of the tours that you will never forget and after finishing, they will drive you back to the Airport to catch your international flight.
3- If you are interested and want to visit the Pyramid of Khafre, do not hesitate to book Egypt private tour packages that include other historical sites such as visiting Abu Simbel in the city of Aswan, Valley of Kings in Luxor as this city has the two-thirds of the monuments of the whole world. You need at least four days to visit the most Cairo highlights and Luxor.
Are You Planning to Visit the Pyramid of Khafre in 2024?
Taking everything into consideration, nobody can deny the role of King Khafre as he left many numerous attempts with his wealth and power by building the Pyramid of Khafre, the Great Sphinx, and other buildings. The Pyramid of Khafre attracts people’s attention for many purposes such as to know more about the culture of ancient Egypt, to learn more about the architecture, to try the Egyptian tradition, and witness the greatness of the Pharaoh. These important reasons are enough to prove that Egyptian history is one of the most amazing cultures in the whole world and no one can deny it under any condition.
There are plenty of opportunities to book your dream tour in Egypt with the Trips in Egypt. We will make your trip to Egypt an unforgettable experience - choose the tour best suited to you. Start planning now!
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
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Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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