Khafre was a king of Egypt's Fourth Dynasty and the builder of the second great pyramid at Giza.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities dates his reign to approximately 2558–2532 BC and identifies him as the son of King Khufu.
The Second Pyramid
Khafre's pyramid originally reached about 143.5 meters in height.
Although it is slightly shorter than Khufu's Great Pyramid, it was built on higher ground, which makes it appear almost as tall when viewed from the surrounding plateau.
The Surviving Limestone Cap
One of the most recognizable features of Khafre's pyramid is the surviving limestone casing near its summit.
The polished limestone originally covered much of the pyramid's exterior. According to the Egyptian Ministry, the stone came from Tura and was transported to Giza by ship.
Khafre's Temples
The pyramid was part of a large funerary complex that included a mortuary temple, causeway, and valley temple.
Khafre's temples are among the best-preserved royal monuments of Egypt's Old Kingdom. His Valley Temple was constructed from massive limestone blocks, with granite and alabaster used in important architectural areas.
The complex also contained remarkable royal sculpture, including the famous statue of Khafre with the falcon of Horus behind his head.
Khafre and the Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx stands beside Khafre's Valley Temple and forms part of the same monumental landscape.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities associates the Sphinx with Khafre's reign. Its colossal human-headed lion form has become one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt. Khafre's Legacy
Khafre's pyramid demonstrates how Fourth Dynasty architects continued developing the monumental traditions established under Khufu.
Its surviving casing, temples, sculptures, and relationship with the Sphinx make the Pyramid of Khafre an essential part of the Giza Plateau.
Official Source
Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — Pyramid Complex of Khafre