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Khufu's Inside Story
King Khufu, who is also known by the greek name "Cheops," was the father
of pyramid building at Giza. He ruled from 2589 - 2566 B.C. and was the son of
King Sneferu and Queen Hetpeheres.
Dates Built: c. 2589-2566 B.C.
Total Blocks of Stone: over 2,300,000
Base: 13 square acres, 568,500 square feet, or 7 city blocks. The length
of each side of the base was originally 754 feet (230 m), but is now 745 feet
(227 m) due to the loss of the outer casing stones.
Total Weight: 6.5 million tons
Average Weight of Individual Blocks of Stone: 2.5 tons, the large
blocks used for the ceiling of the King's Chamber weigh as much as 9
tons.
Height: Originally 481 feet (146.5 m) tall, but now only 449 feet (137
m).
Angle of Incline: 51 degrees 50' 35"
Construction Material: limestone, granite
WARNING upon entering Khufu: The 1908 edition of Baedeker's Egypt warns
"Travelers who are in the slightest degree predisposed to apoplectic or
fainting fits, and ladies travelling alone, should not attempt to penetrate
into these stifling recesses."
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Photo: Aaron Strong
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