Chephren Pyramid

However, despite being 4 meters shorter than Cheops Pyramid, Cheops’s son and successor’s Pyramid generally evokes a bigger first impression because it is on a higher ground, this is Chephren Pyramid. There are two entrances that lead into the pyramid which are placed one directly above the other. The upper entrance is 50 feet (15m) above the ground. This is the one that is used for entrance now. A narrow passage leads into a large limestone chamber. This passageway descends at a 25 degree angle to the chamber. The walls are lined with red granite. This inner chamber is quite large, 46.5' x 16.5' x 22.5' (14.2m x 5m x 6.9m). The roof of the chamber is set at the same angles as the pyramid face. This is designed to take the weight of the pyramid, as is the relieving chambers in Khufu's pyramid. Apparently the roof designed this way has worked, the pyramid has not collapsed.

The lower corridor is directly under the upper corridor. This lower corridor once contained a portcullis, which could be let down to prevent entry. This corridor declines on the same angle as the upper and eventually joins into the upper. Once joined, the passageway leads into the inner chamber. Located in the lower passage is a burial chamber that is apparently unfinished and unused. It is in the bedrock under the pyramid. The passageway leads through this chamber and joins the upper corridor. The top of Chephren pyramid still has some of the limestone casing that once covered the entire pyramid. There may have been a change in the method of positioning the blocks that has kept these pieces still intact. It gives the appearance of a white cap on top of the pyramid.

There is no evidence that anyone was ever buried in the main chamber. No inscriptions have been found in the pyramid, however there is a sarcophagus in the main chamber. As was Cheops' pyramid, the pyramid of Chephren had been looted before it was entered in 1818 by Belzoni.

In the eastern side of the Chephren Pyramid, There is The Mortuary Temple of Chephren. It is more conserved than Cheops Temple. Chephren's temple is more elaborate, although the statues and other contents have been stolen than his father's. Parts of a small sanctuary, outhouses, a courtyard and a large hall with pillars still remain.

Related Tours