The Great Pyramid: Khafre at Giza - Research Paper Example

Ancient Egyptian society is marked by its numerous impressive architectural feats that line the Nile River, from the Mediterranean Sea to the depths of the sandy and inhospitable Sahara Desert. Certainly, the sheer magnitude and magnificence of the Egyptian pyramids at Giza rank them among the top of that society’s architectural, artistic, and religious achievements. At Giza, there are three pyramids that climb above the dunes that surround them to look over miles of desert. These structures remain not only Egypt’s preeminent accomplishments, but also among the most fascinating mysteries in the world. Among these pyramids, one in particular, the Pyramid of Khafre, is especially interesting. The interest around Khafre revolves around a number of nuances in its design and construction, but more significantly, its place in the historical culture of Ancient Egypt. It is this role that brings much attention, including the attention paid here, to the Pyramid. Because it is academically and personally interesting, Khafre is the focus of much historical analysis and personal connection, still thousands of years after completion of its construction. Physically, Khafre is smaller than the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which was built a short time before. Khafre appears next to its larger predecessor, and despite being younger, appears to bear more signs of age: namely, a different color and texture stone near the top. The disparity occurred when plunders took limestone from the original pyramid, leaving only the original stones in the upper half. The slight twist at the apex is an additional flaw that many tourists do not notice, but is still a noteworthy defect in the physical makeup of the pyramid. The Khafre pyramid is connected to the more famous and recognizable Sphinx, which is said to be the face of the Khafre pyramid. The Sphinx, in fact, came directly out of the foundation at the base of the pyramid; but despite being a part of the temple complex outside of the pyramid, the Sphinx is not directly connected to the pyramid at all (Harp). Historically, the Khafre pyramid bears an interesting story. Construction on the Khafre began on a rock outcropping near the newly constructed Khufu pyramid. Khafre was a young pharaoh who, feeling ambitious, wanted to replicate the strength and accomplishments of his father Khufu in the construction of the Great Pyramid. From the dimensions and records of construction, it is clear that Khafre endeavored to outdo his father. The Khafre is taller than the Khufu pyramid, but only because it rests on a foundation of bedrock approximately 12 meters above the Khufu. In other words, although the Khafre is shorter than the Khufu, the elevation it rests on makes it rival his father’s. Standing at over 160 meters tall, and with a base length of nearly 250 meters on each side, the Pyramid is a truly magnificent spectacle to take in both from afar and from close up. The base lengths are longer on each of the sides of the pyramids than the Khufu pyramid because the Khafre pyramid’s angles are more gradual (53 degrees compared to the Great Pyramid’s 51 degrees) (Lehner). Outside of the traditional conception of Egyptian pyramids, there is no evidence individuals of status were buried in the main chamber, which has been thoroughly explored. The burial chamber does appear to be “unfinished and unused”. In terms of function, the Khafre pyramid does seem as though it were an instrument (or display) of power. Taking the narrative of Khafre’s desire to outdo his father Khufu into account, it would make sense that the pyramid would have almost no other purpose other than to establish himself, the young pharaoh, in terms of the history of Egypt and in favor with the gods (Bauval). Nevertheless, it is unclear whether Khafre used the pyramid for his guided passage into the afterlife, since there remains no evidence of a burial in the expected place (namely, the main chamber). Regardless of its intended rationale, the Khafre pyramid remains an invaluable piece of architectural art and achievement: one which must have made a tremendous impact on the society that constructed it. To understand the social and cultural significance of the Great Pyramids, in particular the Khafre complex, one must understand the social and cultural aspects of the Ancient Egyptian religion, with its unique practices, litany of gods, and intellectual/spiritual quest for an eternal afterlife. Ever since the earliest days of Egyptian civilization, the pyramid shape represented the idea of new life. For Egyptians later and before, death marked the beginning of an eternal life, which extended in a spiritual rather than physical form. The tombs from the earliest of times were constructed in such a way to allow kings, pharaohs, and other rulers to find their way into this eternal life. And by the 5th Dynasty, a particular funerary set of standards was in place governing the design and construction of the Egyptian pyramid. The Great Pyramids at Giza are just an exceptional addition to the Ancient Egyptian pyramid complexes that arose in the period around 2558 to 2532 B.C.E (Fayed). Not only was the Khafre pyramid significant to the society in which it was constructed, but it also represented that society as well. Firstly, and in the most obvious sense of representation, the structure’s construction was commissioned by the pharaoh, who represents the society as a godlike ruler. But in a more nuanced sense of representation, the Khafre pyramid represented Egyptian society during Khafre’s reign insofar as that time was a continuation of the power and majesty of the previous pharaoh’s era, and a representation of that specific dynasty. The pyramid that still exists today represents a time in Egypt’s history where these artistic and architectural feats were not only valued but pursued with great effort. They were pursued with great effort because not only was it politically important to show the power of the Egyptian state, but also a commitment to the religious traditions and practices being employed at this time throughout the region. The sheer magnitude of the pyramid is a testament to the power that society and culture wished to portray to themselves, other nations, and the gods. In terms of its relationship to the other pyramids, Khafre is slightly smaller in absolute size, although it appears larger than its neighbors. Put in speculative terms, this may suggest that the pharaoh Khafre’s only interest was in showing up his father’s effort with a structure that appeared larger, even if it was not. In addition to the Khufu Pyramid, there exists the Pyramid of Menkaure on the same site at Giza, along with a number of smaller satellite pyramids. Of the pyramids at Giza, only the Khafre's original rock remains intact—part of its original polished limestone casing near the apex. Because it is, on its face, an attempt to replicate an earlier work, the Khufu, there are certain complications in analyzing the significance and role of the Khafre. In terms of our modern society, the Khafre (as well as the other two Great Pyramids) is significant because it represents a number of things to a range of different people. First, it is a source of pride for those with Egyptian heritage. Secondly, it is a symbol of human architectural and artistic achievement to anyone who gazes at the size and scope of the structures. Thirdly, it provides scholars and laymen alike an insight into the role of religion and mysticism in the lives of Egyptian people, its society, and its kings. By virtue of the fact that the Egyptians were willing to invest so much time and capital into building the Khafre, the Khufu, and the Menkaure, it shows the binding role that religion can play. Additionally, it gives many people a reason to believe that huge, memorable works of art and architecture are necessary for a society if it is to be remembered as great. Huge feats of strength, cunning, and organization like those demonstrated by the Egyptians of the 24th century B.C.E. Giza show their commitment to being considered (and, eventually, remembered) as a skillful, adroit, and divine people. There is much less of an emphasis, it seems, on building for the future in our contemporary society, which could be improved upon moving forward. In fact, a society’s desire to push itself to great feats such as the Pyramids could make a valid measure of its forward progress and openness. Not only is the Khafre pyramid socially and culturally and significant: it is also personally significant. For someone with a special appreciation for architecture and history, the Khafre pyramid provides a special intersection between two very powerful interests of mine. The magnitude of the pyramids, taken with the fact that they were constructed at such an early time in the history of architectural achievement, gives me special inspiration in examining all forms of art, not limited to only architecture. I feel I share this not only with my contemporary society as a whole, but with those who appreciate architecture and art specifically. I wish to one day see the Great Pyramids and enjoy seeing the shadow of Khafre cast onto the side of the Khufu, and imagine the ambitiousness of Khafre, the son, being cast down upon his father. Framed in these terms, my interest in the pyramids turns into a personal narrative: one in which a child tries to transcend his parent, but only succeeds in matching the splendor and grandeur of the latter’s creations and accomplishments. The Khafre pyramid holds tremendous cultural and personal value to all those who lay eyes and minds on it. First, and more importantly, it held value to its builders insofar as it demonstrated their commitment and pledge to the religious traditions of their ancestors and contemporaries. Secondly, and for personal reasons, the Khafre pyramid holds value insofar as it is a glorious and gratifying look at an ancient civilization that chose to preserve its memory through the ages. The Khafre pyramid and its close neighbors at Giza make an impression on individuals even today, nearly four thousand years after their planning and construction. As was discussed earlier, our contemporary society could learn from this example of portraying itself through magnificent works of collective accomplishment. Unfortunately, however, it seems the desire no longer exists to make an impression on the world that will follow us. For me, this is where the value of the Great Pyramids really comes through. Works Cited Bauval, Robert G. The Mystery Continues Giza-Egypt. 1998. 17 September 2010 . Fayed, Adila. "The Three Giza Pyramids." 2004. ASC English. 2010 . Harp, O.J. Across Time: Mystery of the Great Sphinx. New York: Llumina Press, 2007. Lehner, Mark. "Some Observations on the Layout of the Khufu and Khafre Pyramids." Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 20 (1983): 7-25. Read More