While the exterior of Khufu’s pyramid is what makes an impression on most visitors, its interior is no less awe-inspiring. A series of passages, including the Grand Gallery, links two main areas: the King’s Chamber, which held Khufu’s sarcophagus, and the so-called Queen’s Chamber, believed to have housed a sacred statue of the pharaoh.

Mastabas Khufu’s officials built rectangular tombs alongside their master’s pyramid, laid out in an ordered series of avenues. The practice was continued by their successors.

Western Cemetery Hemiunu, architect of the Great Pyramid, has his mastaba here.

Queen’s Pyramids Standing around 100 feet high, this Queens Pyramid contains Hetepheres, mother of Khufu (wife of Snefru).

Queen’s Pyramids Also standing around 100 feet high, this Queens Pyramid contains Merityetes, one of Khufu’s wives.

Queen’s Pyramids Also standing around 100 feet high, this Queens Pyramid contains Henutsen, one of Khufu’s wives.

High Temple of Khufu

Boat Pit Now excavated and on display at the site, it was believed the boat buried here would carry Khufu into the afterlife.

Entrance The main entrance to the pyramid was on its northern side. In an attempt to camouflage it, the builders covered it with a vast slab of limestone. The ruse was discovered by looters later in antiquity.

Ascending Corridor

Grand Gallery The initial ascending corridor, barely three feet high, opens out into this imposing gallery about 26 feet high but only six feet wide, with a roof formed of corbels. The passage leads to the King’s Chamber.

Antechamber Originally blocked by vast blocks of granite.

King’s Chamber Red granite lines the walls of the chamber, the same material of which the sarcophagus is made. This lies empty, either because the mummy was stolen long ago—or because Khufu was buried elsewhere.

Relieving Lintels Massive granite beams prevent the King’s Chamber from being crushed by the weight of the pyramid.

Queen’s Chamber Some 17 feet high, this space, in fact, had nothing to do with any queen. Instead, it was believed to have held a statue containing the pharaoh’s ka—the most vital part of the soul that survives the death of the body.

Tunnel Later Cut by Grave Robbers