King Khufu and the Great Pyramid

King Khufu and the Great Pyramid

King Khufu built the Great Pyramid of Giza. He was considered one of the most famous rulers of ancient Egypt. Even today, people around the world are amazed because of his achievements. In this blog post, we’ll discuss interesting things about King Khufu.

Who Was King Khufu?

During the Fourth Dynasty, around 2589-2566 BCE, King Khufu was a famous pharaoh of ancient Egypt. Later, Greeks called him Cheops. He was the son of pharaoh Sneferu, who was another powerful ruler who built many pyramids. Khufu ruled Egypt at a time when the kingdom was rich, strong, and well organized.

As a pharaoh, Khufu was the head of the government, religion, and the army. Ancient Egyptians believed their king was chosen by the gods and had divine power. With this belief, Khufu had great authority over his people.

What Was King Khufu Known For?

King Khufu is mainly known for one thing: the Great Pyramid of Giza. This pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids at Giza and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is also the only wonder that is still standing today.

Khufu was also known for his strong rule. Some ancient writers, like the Greek historian Herodotus, described him as a harsh ruler who forced people to work. However, modern historians believe this may not be fully true. Many workers were likely paid laborers who worked on the pyramid during the Nile flood season, when farming was not possible.

Even though very little artwork of Khufu survives, a small ivory statue found at Abydos is believed to show his face. This tiny statue is one of the few physical images we have of him.

Did King Khufu Build the Great Pyramid?

Yes, King Khufu did build the Great Pyramid. The Great Pyramid was constructed as his tomb and took about 20 years to complete. It was about 146 meters long and covered in white limestone that gleamed in the sunlight.

This massive construction was the work of thousands of engineers, skilled laborers, and planners. The pyramid was constructed using millions of large stone blocks, some of which weighed several tons. Experts are still in awe of the knowledge and preparation needed to build such a huge structure without the use of contemporary equipment.

Was Khufu’s Mummy Ever Found?

No, Khufu’s mummy has never been found. Although the Great Pyramid was constructed as his tomb, his body was not found inside the pyramid. According to explorers, when they entered, they didn’t find mummy or treasure, instead, they found an empty granite sarcophagus in the King’s Chamber.

What Is Khufu the God Of?

Khufu was not a god of anything in the way Egyptian gods like Ra or Osiris were. He was a human ruler. Nonetheless, the pharaoh was considered holy by the ancient Egyptians as the “son of Ra,” the sun god. Khufu was therefore thought to have a unique relationship with the gods.
Khufu may have been revered in local worship after his passing, but unlike other Egyptian gods, he was never a prominent figure with temples and legends. Therefore, it would be more accurate to describe Khufu as a god-like ruler rather than a god.

Conclusion

One of the most significant individuals in ancient history is still King Khufu. One of the most famous achievements was the Great Pyramid. Although his mummy was never found, this monument honors his legacy. Khufu was considered to have divine authority because he was a pharaoh. If you are also interested in visiting the Great Pyramid, you can contact Nile Cruisen, which is among the best Nile cruise companies.