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Which dynasties built the Pyramids of Giza?
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ancient Egypt
Side view of the Sphinx with the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) rising in the background, Giza, Egypt.
The Pyramids of Giza were built during the 4th dynasty of the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt.1
Each of the three primary pyramids was constructed as a royal tomb for a specific pharaoh of that dynasty:21
- Khufu (Cheops): The second king of the 4th dynasty commissioned the Great Pyramid, which is the northernmost and oldest of the three.21
- Khafre (Chephren): The fourth king of the 4th dynasty built the middle pyramid.21
- Menkaure (Mykerinus): The fifth king of the 4th dynasty built the southernmost and final pyramid of the group.21