Pyramid of Khufu
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Identification
Name
Pyramid of Khufu
Alternative name
Great Pyramid, Pyramid of Cheops
Emporis Building Number
103184
Location
Map and Surrounding Area
Technical Data
Height (tip)
*
Height (architectural)
138.75 m
Length
*
Width
*
Volume
*
Structure in General
Construction type
pyramid
Current status
existing [completed]Structural material
masonry
Facade material
limestone
Facade system
exposed structure
Architectural style
egyptian
Usages
Main usages
gravesFacts
When built, the pyramid stood 146.6m (480.9ft) tall, but has been reduced in height by the effects of weathering over the centuries coupled with the loss of its limestone cladding. A metal pole placed at the top of the pyramid now serves to illustrate its original height. |
The Great Pyramid was built by King Khufu, son of Sneferu, in about 2500BC. It was originally called Akhet Khufu, meaning 'Khufu belongs to the horizon'. |
The structure comprises 2.3 million blocks of limestone and rests on 210 piers, each of which weighs approximately 2.5 tonnes. The exterior surface was smooth when built - white in colour with a gold tip. |
Beside the Great Pyramid are three secondary pyramids, two solar boats, two cemeteries and the remains of a funerary temple. |
The interior of the Pyramid is accessed via a descending corridor, 1.2m high, which leads to an underground chamber, King's and Queen's chambers and the Great Gallery, a space 47m long and 8.5m high. Two 'aeration tunnels' facilitate the direct ascension of the king to heaven. |
This was the world's tallest structure from about 2580BC to 1310AD - a reign of 3,800 years. It was surpassed by Lincoln Cathedral. |