Pharaoh Khufu commissioned the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders.
Khufu ruled Egypt during the Fourth Dynasty, probably in the 26th century BC. The pyramid was built as his royal tomb on the Giza plateau, west of the ancient Egyptian capital at Memphis.
The monument was originally faced with polished white Tura limestone, which made its surfaces shine in sunlight. Most of that casing disappeared in later centuries, leaving the stepped core blocks visible today.
Khufu is also known by his Greek name, Cheops. His son Khafre built the second great pyramid at Giza, while Menkaure built the third; these rulers are sometimes confused because all three monuments stand together.