Flourished Circa 2585-2560 B.C.E.
King, Dynasty 4

Great Pyramid. Khufu or Cheops ruled Egypt from circa 2585-2560 B.C.E. and built the Great Pyramid at Giza, the only remaining building described as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. In addition to his architectural projects, he was an innovator who associated the king with the sun-god Re.

Family. Multiple marriages with siblings and half siblings complicated Khufu's family tree. Yet, many details of his family connections have been deduced from names found in tombs. His full name was Khuefwi-Khnum, "May (the god) Khnum protect me." He was the son of the previous king, Sneferu, and Queen Hetepheres I. He had brothers and sisters who were buried near their father's pyramid in Dahshur. These princes include Ii-nofer, Netjeraperef, and Kanofer. Khufu's chief wife was Meritites, who bore his son Kawab, who died before coming...