Pyramid of Menkaure

Menkaure

-Who is Menkaure?
Menkaure, also known as Mykerinos, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the Old Kingdom in the Fourth Dynasty. According to Manetho, he succeeded king Bikheris on the throne, but archaeological findings suggest that he most likely followed Khafre as the ruler. Menkaure gained fame for his pyramid tomb, called the Pyramid of Menkaure, located in Giza. He is also renowned for his statue triads, depicting him with the goddess Hathor and different local deities.

Menkaura flanked by the goddess Hathor (left) and the personification of the nome of Sesheshet (right). Graywacke statue in Cairo Museum.

Pyramid of Menkaure

The Menkaure pyramid is the smallest among the three main pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex, located on the Giza Plateau in Cairo, Egypt. It was built as the tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure during the Fourth Dynasty.

Originally, it stood at a height of 65.5 meters, but now it is 61 meters tall. The pyramid was made using limestone and Aswan granite. The lower part was constructed with red granite, while the upper portion was covered with Tura limestone.

Menkaure's pyramid

The construction date of the pyramid is uncertain as Menkaure's reign is not accurately determined. However, it was likely finished in the 26th century BC.

Vyse discovered a stunning black basalt sarcophagus in a pyramid, adorned with intricate details and a striking cornice. Inside, they found the remains of a young woman. Sadly, the sarcophagus now rests at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, having sunk on October 13, 1838, along with the ship Beatrice during its journey from Malta to Cartagena on the way to Great Britain. This rare sarcophagus from the Old Kingdom is among the few that have survived to this day.

Mycerinus Pyramid

-Failed destruction:
In 1196, Al-Aziz Uthman, son of Saladin and Sultan of Egypt, attempted to destroy the pyramids. Starting with the pyramid of Menkaure, workers spent eight months demolishing it, but found it as costly as its construction. Removing only one or two stones daily, some used wedges and levers while others used ropes. Stones would sink into the sand, making extraction difficult. They broke the stones into smaller pieces with wedges and transported them downhill using a cart. Despite their efforts, the workers only managed to create a large vertical cut on the pyramid's northern side.

Giza Complex

The Pyramids of Giza are a must-visit destination for an exciting adventure and lasting memories. They will leave you amazed. highly recommended.

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