Chephren, also known as Khafre, was a pharaoh of the 4th dynasty of Ancient Egypt, having reigned around 2520-2494 BC. He is best known for being the sponsor of the second pyramid of Giza, one of the greatest architectural achievements of ancient Egypt.
The reign of Chephren
- Historical context
Chephren is the son of Cheops, the famous pharaoh who built the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Queen Meresankh III. He succeeds his brother Djédefrê and continues the construction projects initiated by his father. There 4th dynasty is a period of prosperity for Egypt, where art and architecture reach their peak.
- The construction of the second pyramid of Giza
Chephren's most significant achievement is the construction of his pyramid on the Giza plateau. Although slightly smaller than his father's, the pyramid of Chephren is still impressive, with an initial height of 143,5 meters. It is also surrounded by a funerary complex, including a funerary temple, a causeway and a valley temple.
The Great Sphinx of Giza
- The enigmatic monument
Le Great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal monument depicting a lion with a human head, is also attributed to Chephren. This enigmatic monument, carved in the natural limestone of the Giza plateau, measures 20 meters in height and 73 meters in length. Egyptologists believe that the head of the Sphinx could represent Chephren himself, as a symbol of his power and protection over his funerary complex.
- The mysteries surrounding the Sphinx
The Great Sphinx of Giza is surrounded by mysteries and legends, especially concerning its age and its initial function. Some scholars believe the Sphinx may be older than the XNUMXth Dynasty, while others consider it to have been built by Chephren to guard his pyramid. Research continues to unravel the enigmas surrounding this iconic monument.
Chephren and Egyptian art
- statuary
Under the reign of Khafre, Egyptian art reached a peak, particularly in the field of statuary. Several statues of Chephren have been discovered, the most famous of which is a diorite statue, exhibited in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This statue shows Khephren seated on a throne, wearing a fake beard and wearing the nemes, a striped cloth that covers the head and falls over the shoulders. The Falcon Horus, protective god of the pharaohs, is represented behind the head of the king, symbolizing his divine protection.
- Reliefs
The reliefs of the funerary temple of Chephren also testify to the artistic richness of his reign. These reliefs represent scenes of daily life, offerings to the gods, as well as processions and religious ceremonies. They are sculpted with great finesse and attention to detail, reflecting the talent of the craftsmen of the time.
The administration of the kingdom
- centralized power
Chephren continues the policy of centralization of power initiated by his father Cheops. He reinforces the royal authority and exerts a narrow control on the Egyptian provinces. This centralization makes it possible to guarantee the stability and prosperity of the country, while ensuring the financing of major construction projects.
- Relations with neighboring countries
Under the reign of Chephren, Egypt maintains trade and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. Expeditions are organized to Nubia, Sinai and the Red Sea coast to exploit natural resources, including metals, precious stones and exotic products. These exchanges make it possible to enrich the kingdom and to reinforce its prestige on a regional scale.
In sum, Chephren is a pharaoh whose reign is marked by impressive artistic and architectural achievements, as well as by efficient administration and fruitful international relations. His legacy lives on through the monuments he left and the cultural development of ancient Egypt.
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
Djoser / Sanakht / Sekhemkhet / Spoon / Huni | |||
Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
Semqen/Aper-Anat/Sakir-Har/Khyan/Apophis I/Apophis II?/Khamoudy | |||
/Sekhemre-Sementaouy Djehouty/Sekhemre-Sousertaouy Sobekhotep VIII | |||
Twenty-first dynasty | |||
Twenty-second dynasty | |||
Twenty-third dynasty | |||
Twenty-fourth dynasty | |||
1st Persian Dynasty | |||
Thirty-first dynasty (Achaemenid) | 2nd Persian Dynasty | ||