- History -

Khefren was the son of Kheops and Henutsen, and thus the half-brother of his predecessor, Djedefre. He was married with his (half ?) sister Khamernebti I, with whom he had a son, Mykerinos, and a daughter, Khamernebeti II. He was also married to Meresankh III, a daughter of Kawab and Hetepheres II, with whom he had at least four sons: Nebemakhet, Niuserre, Khenterka and Duaenre, and one daughter, Shepsestkau. Other sons of Khefren’s were Nikawre and Sekhemkare, but it is not known who their mothers were.

It is not known why Djedefre was succeeded by his half-brother Khefren and not by his own son, Setka. It is sometimes suggested that Khefren pushed aside Setka, but it is equally possible that at Djedefre’s death, none of his sons had survived and that Khefren was the oldest surviving male descendant of Kheops. His marriage to Meresankh III, a granddaughter of Kheops, was probably meant as a further legitimisation of his claims to the throne. 

The Turin King-list records a rule of more than 20 years for Khefren, according to Manetho and Herodotos it was 66. It is generally accepted, however, that Khefren ruled for about 26 years. 

During Khefren’s reign, the solar-religion gained in importance. His predecessor had already added the title "Son of Re" to the royal titulary. Khefren continued this new tradition. The great sphinx, built near the king’s pyramid at Giza, was a representation of the solar god Harmakhis. The high quality and richness of the private tombs built during his reign show that Egypt was prospering. 

Left: The pyramid of Khefren at Giza, with Kheops' pyramid in the background. It is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid of Kheops, but because it was built on a higher level of the plateau, it appears higher. The original limestone covering at the top of this pyramid is still preserved.
Right: A view inside the Valley Temple connected to Khefren's Pyramid. The columns are massive and undecorated, which is typical for the 4th Dynasty royal monuments. The rectangular holes in the floor were the foundation of life-size statues of the king.

Titulary

• Horus-name

Hr wsr ib

Horus, who is strong of heart

• Nebti-name

wsr m nb.tj

The one who is strong with the Two Ladies

• Golden name

sxm bik nbw

The golden falcon is powerful

• Prenomen

	xa=f ra	Khafre ("Re, he has appeared"). The Greek version of this name is Khefren and is used throughout this publication.
	wsr ib, xa=f ra	Strong of heart, Khafre

• Kinglists

	xa=f ra	Khafre
	xa=f ra	Khafre

• Manetho

Africanus: Suphis (II)

Eusebius: Eusebius doesn't mention Khefren.

• Alternative names in modern-day literature

Chefren, Chephren, Chéfren, Khéfren, Khephren, Khépren, Khafre, Khaefre, Khafra, Khaefra