Khufu, also known as Cheops, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty. While he is credited with commissioning the Great Pyramid of Giza, details about his life and reign remain scarce. One reason for this lack of information is the time gap; Khufu reigned around 2580–2560 BC, more than 4,500 years ago. Historical records from that period are limited, and much of what we know comes from later sources that might not provide a complete picture.
Additionally, ancient Egyptians focused more on the afterlife and monumental architecture than on documenting their rulers’ lives in detail. Unlike some pharaohs who left extensive inscriptions, much of Khufu’s reign is shrouded in mystery. Only a few artifacts and inscriptions mention him, which further complicates our understanding.
Another contributing factor is the erosion and destruction of historical sites over millennia. Many records could have been lost due to natural decay or purposeful erasure, a common occurrence in ancient history. The discovery of his name in the Royal Canon of Turin and a limited number of inscriptions in various locations help piece together his legacy, but they do not paint a comprehensive portrait.
In summary, the combination of time, a lack of extensive records, and historical loss contributes to the limited knowledge we have about Khufu, making him one of the more enigmatic figures of ancient Egypt.