Pyramid of Khafre - the symbol of Egypt

The main attraction of Egypt are, of course, the pyramids. All the year round millions of tourists come to this country to see these magnificent buildings with their own eyes. The largest pyramid of Giza is the pyramid of Pharaoh Cheops. In 160 meters from it there is a similar construction, occupying the second place in its dimensions - the pyramid of Khafre.

Presumably, the burial vault for the son of Cheops - Khafre, was built in 2600 - 2450 BC. The structure was named Urt-Khafra, which means "Honored Khafra". Despite the fact that the pyramid of Chephren is less than 8 meters, it seems more visually, because Is located on a high hill. In addition, it is least affected by the destruction, compared with other pyramids.

During the reign of the pharaohs, the Khafrean pyramid was only an element of a huge funeral complex. This complex included a small pyramid-companion erected for the wife of Khafre, a funeral temple, a fence wall, a temple in the valley, a road and a port. Temple structures of Khafra, built of multi-toned limestone and granite blocks, became a kind of standard, according to which other pharaohs of the Old Kingdom built their pyramids.

The famous great Sphinx is another unique sight that Egypt is famous for. The Pyramid of Khafre and the statue of a lying lion with a human head are the classic symbols of this country. The Great Sphinx is built next to the pyramid. This majestic monument is carved from limestone rock. Unfortunately, time did not spare him - the front part of the sculpture was cracked, and on the nasal and chin are significant spikes. But with its injuries, the statue is "obliged" not only to the destructive power of the times, but also to the Muslim Arabs, who considered the Sphinx to be the personification of the evil spirit, so they tried to destroy it.

Ancient Egyptian chronicles say that not every mortal could come nearer to the place where Pharaoh rested, because the pyramid of Khafre was the personification of the "eternal horizon" for which Pharaoh left. The memory of the "who went beyond the horizon" could be honored by all who wished to honor the funeral temple located near the pyramid - thus, ordinary mortals could not offend the greatness of the pharaoh.

Much attention was paid to the preservation of the untold wealth that filled the tombs of the tombs, because they were a serious temptation for many. The builders of the pyramid prepared in advance, near the entrance, a heavy lock stone that closes from the inside. After the funeral ceremony, the supports supporting this stone from under him were beaten out, and the entrance was thus blocked forever. The same stone builders also descended into the crypt - this huge castle blocked the entrance to the corridor. Neither people nor demons could penetrate such a tomb, therefore, Pharaoh could peacefully rest in his last haven.

Alas, all these measures were in vain - the funeral relics of the Egyptian rulers were looted in ancient times. Our contemporaries, making a trip to Egypt, it remains only to contemplate the deserted halls and wander through the complex interlacing of the transitions located inside the pyramids.