Summary of Reign of King Khufu
Uncover the secrets of King Khufu's legendary reign in ancient Egypt.
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Reign of King Khufu in 10 Minutes
Introduction
King Khufu
Queen Meritites
Prince Djedefre
Vizier Hemiunu
1. The Rise to Power
2. Construction of the Great Pyramid
3. The Sphinx
4. Trading Expeditions
5. Religious Reforms
6. Family Life
7. Death and Succession
8. Legacy
9. Controversy
10. Modern Discoveries
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: Reign of King Khufu
- When: 2589 – 2566 BC
- Who: King Khufu
- Outcome: Construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza
Famous Figures in the Reign of King Khufu
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Imhotep
Imhotep was an Egyptian chancellor to the pharaoh Djoser and architect of the Step Pyramid in Saqqara.
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Hemiunu
Hemiunu was an ancient Egyptian vizier and chief architect during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu.
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Djedefre
Djedefre was a pharaoh and son of Khufu, known for building the pyramid at Abu Rawash.
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Ankhhaf
Ankhhaf was a prince and vizier during the reign of Khufu, believed to be the owner of the Giza Pyramid.
Timeline of Reign of King Khufu
Khufu becomes pharaoh of Egypt
Construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza begins
Khufu's son, Djedefre, becomes pharaoh
Construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza completed
Khufu's grandson, Khafre, becomes pharaoh
Khufu's other son, Khufukhaf I, becomes pharaoh
Khufukhaf I dies and is succeeded by his son, Neferefre
End of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt
Khufu's great-grandson, Menkaure, becomes pharaoh
End of the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt
End of the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt
Khufu's pyramid raided by tomb robbers
Khufu's mummy discovered in the Great Pyramid of Giza
Khufu's reign and achievements become widely recognized by Egyptologists
Vocabulary List
- Pharaoh
- King Khufu was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt.
- Pyramid
- King Khufu's most famous achievement was the construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza.
- Dynasty
- King Khufu was a part of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt.
- Sphinx
- The Sphinx is located near the Great Pyramid and is believed to have been built during Khufu's reign.
- Hieroglyphics
- Hieroglyphics were the writing system used in ancient Egypt during the time of King Khufu.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Khufu was an ancient Egyptian king who ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom period.
- Khufu is best known for commissioning the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- The Great Pyramid of Giza was built as a tomb for Khufu and took an estimated 20 years to complete.
- Khufu's reign is believed to have lasted from around 2589 to 2566 BC.
- Khufu's pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids on the Giza plateau.
- Khufu's reign marked the peak of pyramid building in ancient Egypt.
- Khufu was known by the ancient Greeks as Cheops.
- Some historians believe that Khufu's reign was marked by tyranny and oppression of the Egyptian people.
- Khufu's reign was characterized by a centralized government and a strong bureaucracy.
- Khufu's pyramid originally stood at 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall, but is now slightly shorter due to erosion.
- The construction of Khufu's pyramid required an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons.
- Khufu's pyramid was originally encased in smooth white Tura limestone, which has since eroded or been removed.
- Khufu's pyramid contains three main chambers: the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and an unfinished chamber known as the Subterranean Chamber.
- The interior walls of Khufu's pyramid are adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions and illustrations.
- Khufu's pyramid was originally surrounded by a complex of temples, causeways, and smaller pyramids for family members.
- Khufu's reign saw the construction of other pyramids in Egypt, including those of his son Khafre and grandson Menkaure.
- Khufu's pyramid is aligned with the cardinal points of the compass, indicating advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.
- Khufu's reign saw the development of the pyramidion, a capstone that adorned the top of pyramids and symbolized the king's ascent to the afterlife.
- Khufu's pyramid was originally looted in antiquity, but some artifacts and burial goods have been found in and around the pyramid.
- Khufu's reign marked a period of great wealth and power for ancient Egypt, as evidenced by the monumental architecture and artifacts left behind.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The reign of King Khufu, known for commissioning the Great Pyramid of Giza, resulted in a significant consolidation of power and wealth in ancient Egypt. The construction of such a monumental structure required immense resources and labor, leading to economic strain and social upheaval among the population.
Long-Term Impact
The enduring legacy of King Khufu’s reign lies in the architectural marvels he left behind, particularly the Great Pyramid. This structure not only symbolized the might and grandeur of the Egyptian pharaohs but also served as a testament to their engineering and organizational prowess. The pyramids became iconic symbols of ancient Egypt and continue to fascinate and inspire people worldwide.
Cultural Significance Today
The Great Pyramid of Giza, a product of King Khufu’s reign, remains a symbol of human ingenuity and ambition. It continues to attract millions of visitors each year, serving as a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of Egypt. The legacy of King Khufu and his pyramid endures in modern times, shaping our understanding of ancient civilizations and their remarkable achievements.
Reign of King Khufu Games
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