"The Grand Causeway"

Khafre's monuments have survived better than most, and his pyramid makes an impressive backdrop to the Great Sphinx which lies next to his causeway and was probably part of the pyramid complex. Khafre’s mortuary complex consists of the Khafre Pyramid, a small satellite Pyramid next to it, a mortuary temple, the Great Sphinx and his Valley Temple; tied together by the Grand Causeway. The ruined causeway leads from the mortuary temple, 1620ft south to Khafre's valley temple, the only well preserved valley temple found to date. The huge mortuary temple of Khafre's complex is separated from the east face of the pyramid by a limestone pavement, which runs around all four sides of the pyramid. To the north of Khafre's valley temple lies the Great Sphinx, inside its own enclosure. It is currently thought to have been modeled during Khafre's reign, and would have been the first colossal statue in ancient Egypt.

Plate # 24
"The Grand Causeway"

Sphinx and Khafre Pyramid, Giza plateau. 2002

Silver gelatin print.