Khafra was a son of Khufu and succeeded his brother Radjedef. It is possible that his name actually was Rakhaf, using the same pattern as his brother, with Ra at the beginning of the name rather than at the end as is the norm used in Egyptology. Rakhaf translates to "Ra is his (very) appearance", which actually makes sense, so it is not unreasonable to consider it. Herodotus and Diodorus transcribed his name as Khephren, which suggests that Khafra would fit as the source. Manetho named him Souphis.
He is of course known as the builder of the second largest pyramid at Giza, but little else is known about him.
The Royal Titulary
From the hieroglyphic records
Horus User ib The Dual King Khaf Ra
Horus name
The oldest form of the name of a pharaoh, a falcon representing Horus is perched on the palace facade.
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 54-55, 4:H
Nebty name
The “Two Ladies”, the goddesses Nekhbet and Wadjet, representing Upper and Lower Egypt respectively.
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 54-55, 4:N
Golden Horus name
Horus perched on Gold, which was associated with eternity, but its meaning is disputed.
Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography , III, 21
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 54-55, 4:G
Throne names
Announced at the coronation and always written in a cartouche. The “official” name of the pharaoh. Also known as the Prenomen.
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, II, 41a
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 54-55, 4:E1
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 54-55, 4:E3
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 54-55, 4:E4
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 54-55, 4:E2
Gardiner, The Royal Canon of Turin (1959) III:12
The sources of antiquity
From the writings of the historians and scholars of antiquity
| Author | Greek | Transcription | Reign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africanus iv, 3 | Σoυφις | Suphis | 66 years |
| Herodotus 127 | Χεφρηνα | Chephren | 56 years |
| Diodorus 1.64.1 | Κεφρην | Cephren | 56 years |
| Eratosthenes 16 | Σαωφις β | Saophis II | 27 |
Bibliography
- Gauthier, H. Le livre des rois d'Égypte. MIFAO 17 (1907): 86–94
- Beckerath, J., 1999. “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, Second edition, MÄS 49: 54–55
- Leprohon, R. J., 2013. The Great Name: Ancient Egyptian Royal Titulary. Atlanta: 36
- Baker. D. D., 2008. The Encyclopedia of the Pharaohs: Volume I. London: 169–171
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