Khafre's Pyramid at Giza

Definition: One of the three main Old Kingdom pyramids located at Giza in Egypt, Khafre's pyramid was built between 2558 and 2532 BC, the second after Khufu's and before Menkaure's pyramids. Khafre was also responsible for building the Sphinx.

Khafre's Pyramid stands 450 feet high, and was once 473 feet; its base is 695 feet. Near its entranceway and within its vestibule, excavator Auguste Mariette found several statues of Khafre and Menkare. Although the tomb was plundered in antiquity, Khafre's granite sarcophagus was still in place.

More on Egyptian Pyramids

• Giza Plateau Pyramids: A Slide Show
• The Sphinx
• The Bent Pyramid
• Khufu's Pyramid
• Menkaure's Pyramid
• Step Pyramid of Djoser
• The Great Pyramid (book review of John Romer's recent book
• Ancient Egypt Timeline and Definition

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any errors are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.

Also Known As: Chephren's or Rakhaef's pyramid.