--- title: The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu) c. 2560 BCE author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15685/the-great-pyramid-pyramid-of-khufu-c-2560-bce/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-08-28 --- # The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu) c. 2560 BCE _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu) c. 2560 BCE](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15685.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15685.png) ## Image Caption This infographic illustrates the [Great Pyramid of Giza](https://www.worldhistory.org/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza/), the monumental [tomb](https://www.worldhistory.org/tomb/) of King Khufu (reigned c. 2589–2566 BCE), known to the Greeks as Cheops. Built around 2560 BCE, it is the largest of the [pyramids](https://www.worldhistory.org/pyramid/) at [Giza](https://www.worldhistory.org/giza/) and the only one of [the Seven Wonders](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Seven_Wonders/) of the Ancient World still standing. Originally rising to 147 meters (481 ft) and clad in gleaming white limestone casing blocks, it dominated the plateau as the centerpiece of Khufu’s mortuary complex and a lasting symbol of royal authority and divine order. The [pyramid](https://www.worldhistory.org/pyramid/)’s interior reflects remarkable architectural ingenuity. Its aligned corridors and chambers, including the King’s Chamber with massive granite blocks, the so-called Queen’s Chamber, and the unfinished subterranean chamber, suggest both practical and symbolic purposes. The towering Grand Gallery and narrow “air shafts” may have served ritual as well as structural functions, while recent muon scans have revealed hidden voids, proving the monument still holds secrets. Perfectly oriented to the cardinal points and aligned with stars such as Thuban, the pyramid embodied cosmic as well as royal power. Though stripped of its casing stones and plundered in antiquity, Khufu’s pyramid remains the ultimate expression of [Old Kingdom](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Old_Kingdom/) engineering and ambition. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2022, April 21). The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu) c. 2560 BCE. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu) c. 2560 BCE." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 21, 2022. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu) c. 2560 BCE." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Apr 2022, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 21 April 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.