The most imposing of all the ancient Egyptian pyramids is the Great Pyramid at Gizeh near Cairo, built around 2650 BCE by which ruler of the Old Kingdom?

Introduction / Context:
The Great Pyramid at Gizeh, located near modern Cairo, is one of the most iconic monuments of ancient Egypt and one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It is the largest of the pyramids on the Gizeh plateau and was built as a royal tomb during the Old Kingdom period. Knowing which ruler commissioned this structure is a standard fact in general knowledge, archaeology and world history. This question asks you to identify that pharaoh correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The structure is the Great Pyramid at Gizeh near Cairo.
• It was built around 2650 BCE during the Old Kingdom of Egypt.
• The options include Pharaoh Cheops (Khufu), King Tutankhamen, Hammurabi and a none of these choice.
• You are expected to know the association between Old Kingdom pyramids and specific pharaohs.

Concept / Approach:
The Great Pyramid at Gizeh is most commonly associated with the pharaoh known in Greek as Cheops and in Egyptian sources as Khufu. He ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Pyramids at Gizeh were built for Khufu, his son Khafre and Menkaure, but the largest and most imposing one belongs to Khufu. Tutankhamen was a much later New Kingdom pharaoh known for his rich tomb in the Valley of the Kings, not for building the Great Pyramid. Hammurabi was a ruler in Mesopotamia, not in Egypt. Therefore, the correct approach is to match the Great Pyramid with Pharaoh Cheops (Khufu) of the Old Kingdom.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question refers to the largest pyramid at Gizeh, usually called the Great Pyramid. Step 2: Recall that this pyramid was built as the tomb of Khufu, also known by the Greek name Cheops, in the Fourth Dynasty. Step 3: Note that the time given, around 2650 BCE, matches the Old Kingdom period when these massive pyramids were constructed. Step 4: Remember that Tutankhamen lived much later and is known for a different kind of tomb, and that Hammurabi ruled in Mesopotamia, not Egypt. Step 5: Select Pharaoh Cheops (Khufu) of the Old Kingdom as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Archaeological studies, inscriptions and classical references all point to Khufu as the ruler who commissioned the Great Pyramid. Visitors to Gizeh are often told that the three main pyramids belong to Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and guidebooks explicitly name Khufu's pyramid as the largest. Tutankhamen's fame comes from the discovery of his nearly intact tomb in 1922, not from any pyramids. Hammurabi is discussed in connection with his law code and the city of Babylon. These separate contexts make it clear that only Khufu fits the description in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
King Tutankhamen was a New Kingdom pharaoh who ruled centuries after the Old Kingdom pyramid builders. His tomb was a rock cut burial, not a pyramid, and it lies in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, not at Gizeh. Hammurabi was a king of Babylon in ancient Mesopotamia and had no role in Egyptian pyramid construction. The none of these option is also incorrect because historians agree that Khufu was the pharaoh responsible for the Great Pyramid. These alternatives either refer to the wrong time period, the wrong region or deny well established archaeological findings.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes mix up famous names from different parts of ancient history and may guess Tutankhamen simply because his name is more familiar from modern media. Others may see Hammurabi and think of ancient kings in general without distinguishing between Mesopotamia and Egypt. To avoid such confusion, connect each major monument with the correct culture and ruler. Remember that the Great Pyramid at Gizeh is linked with Khufu and the Old Kingdom, while Tutankhamen is linked with his tomb treasures and Hammurabi with his law code.

Final Answer:
The Great Pyramid at Gizeh near Cairo was built around 2650 BCE by Pharaoh Cheops (Khufu) of the Old Kingdom, so that option is correct.