The leader of Egypt during the construction of the Great Pyramids was Pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops. Khufu ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom around 2589 to 2566 BC. He is best known for commissioning the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and serves as his tomb. The construction of the pyramids required remarkable engineering skills and a large workforce, leading to advancements in construction techniques. Khufu's reign and the monumental architecture of the pyramids symbolize the power and organizational capabilities of ancient Egyptian society, reflecting their religious beliefs and societal structure.