Khufu

Definition

Khufu, also known as Cheops, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who reigned during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom around 2589–2566 BCE. He is best known for commissioning the Great Pyramid of Giza, which serves as a monumental representation of the power and religious significance of pharaonic rule. His reign is a key example of how centralized authority and massive state resources were utilized in ancient Egypt to promote both the king’s divine status and the economy through large-scale construction projects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Khufu's full name was Khnum-Khufu, which means 'Khnum protect me', reflecting his connection to the god Khnum.
2. The Great Pyramid of Giza, built under Khufu's orders, originally stood at 146.6 meters but now is about 138.8 meters tall due to erosion.
3. Khufu's pyramid was originally covered in casing stones made of highly polished Tura limestone, making it shine brightly in the sun.
4. The workforce that built the pyramid was likely made up of skilled laborers rather than slaves, highlighting an organized state economy.
5. Khufu's reign is noted for its relatively peaceful nature, allowing for extensive construction efforts and economic stability during his rule.

Review Questions

• How did Khufu's reign exemplify the characteristics of Old Kingdom governance and society?
  • Khufu's reign exemplified Old Kingdom governance through his centralization of power and monumental building projects like the Great Pyramid of Giza. His ability to mobilize vast resources and labor demonstrates the strength of the pharaonic authority and reflects how society was organized around supporting royal endeavors. Additionally, his reign reinforced social hierarchies and religious practices that were fundamental to Old Kingdom life.
• Discuss the significance of the Great Pyramid of Giza in relation to Khufu's legacy and ancient Egyptian culture.
  • The Great Pyramid of Giza stands as a symbol of Khufu's legacy, representing both his power as a pharaoh and the architectural innovation of ancient Egypt. This monumental structure not only served as Khufu's tomb but also illustrated advanced engineering skills and a well-organized labor force. The pyramid's alignment with celestial bodies reflects the Egyptians' deep religious beliefs and their understanding of cosmology, further solidifying its cultural significance.
• Evaluate how Khufu's approach to pyramid construction influenced subsequent pharaohs and Egyptian architectural developments.
  • Khufu’s approach to pyramid construction set a precedent for future pharaohs in terms of scale and ambition. The successful construction of his pyramid led to further advancements in engineering techniques and construction methods used by later rulers. It inspired subsequent projects such as those seen in the Middle Kingdom, where pharaohs continued to build grand tombs, albeit with different designs like step pyramids or rock-cut tombs, ultimately shaping ancient Egyptian architectural traditions.

Related terms

Old Kingdom: A period in ancient Egyptian history characterized by the development of a strong centralized state, the building of pyramids, and significant advances in art and architecture.

Great Pyramid of Giza:

The largest of the three pyramids on the Giza plateau and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built as a tomb for Khufu.

Divine Kingship:

The concept that a king or pharaoh is considered a god on earth, with authority derived from divine will, influencing governance and religious practices in ancient Egypt.