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Pyramid of Menkaure | The Smallest of the Pyramids of Giza
Pyramid of GizaPyramid of Menkaure
Book tickets to visit the Pyramid of Menkaure
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the Pyramids of Giza, at just 62 meters tall. Located to the southwest of the other two Pyramids of Giza, it was built by the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Menkaure during the 26th century BC. Of the three Pyramids of Giza, it is the only one that doesn't retain any of its original polished limestone casing. Read on to find out more about this ancient tomb.
What is the Pyramid of Menkaure?
Menkaure's pyramid complex was the last of the major pyramids built on the Giza Plateau, and was completed around 2510 BC,. It was built to serve as the tomb of the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure, who succeeded his father Khafre to the throne.
The pyramid complex has the king's pyramid, as well as a valley temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and three subsidiary or queen's pyramids.
Parts of the pyramid were left rough and unfinished, leading archaeologists to believe that construction was rushed, likely due to the early death of the pharaoh.
Menkaure and the Pyramids of Giza
Who was the Pharaoh Menkaure?
Menkaure was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh and the fifth ruler of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom. The son of the pharaoh Khafre and Queen Khamerernebty I, he succeeded his father to the throne. While the length of Menkaure's reign is uncertain, it is thought to have begun around 2530 BC.
He is also known by the Greek name Mykerinos, and is most famous for his tomb, the Pyramid of Menkaure at Giza.
Menkaure is thought to have had at least two wives, Queen Khamerernebty II and Queen Rekhetre. Several of his half-brothers, including Nebemakhet, Duaenre, and Nikaure served as viziers during his reign.
Building the Pyramid of Menkaure
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main pyramids at Giza. Its square base measures 103 meters (339 feet) along each side, and it stands at a height of 62 meters (215 feet).
The unfinished nature of the granite blocks indicates that Menkaure died before the structure was finished. It’s likely that the pyramid was completed around 2510 BC, by Shepseskaf, Menkaure’s successor.
The pyramid was built using millions of blocks of limestone and granite. The pyramid builders included between 5,000 to 20,000 workers and their families who were all housed on the Giza plateau.
Where is the Pyramid of Menkaure located?
Address: Giza Necropolis, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Find on Map
The Giza Necropolis is on the outskirts of the city of Cairo, around 15 km away from the city center. The Pyramid of Menkaure is located within the Giza Necropolis. It is the smallest and southernmost pyramid in the Giza complex.
Nearest landmarks: Egyptian Museum and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
About the Pyramid of Menkaure
History of Menkaure’s Pyramid
The Pyramid of Menkaure was built between 2532 and 2515 BC. However, its walls and Menkaure’s mortuary and valley temples were not completed until after the pharaoh’s death.
It is the smallest of the three main Pyramids of Giza, at just 62m tall, but has one of the most complex and best-preserved structures. The excavated remains of Menkaure’s Funerary Temple revealed some of the most stunning sculptures from all of Egyptian history.
During the 12th century, the Sultan of Egypt made an attempt to demolish the Pyramids of Giza, beginning with Menkaure’s. While he was ultimately unsuccessful, his workers managed to leave an unsightly gash on the north face of the pyramid.
Excavations of the Pyramid of Menkaure
The first excavations of Menkaure’s Pyramid in the modern era began in 1817, supervised by Giovanni Belzoni. But it was not until 1837 that the first big discovery was made when Egyptologist Howard Vyse found two sarcophagi inside the pyramid. Sadly the one likely belonging to Menkaure was lost at sea in 1838 on the way to England. The other sarcophagus, which was made of wood and heavily decorated, can be found in the British Museum.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, George Reisner excavated the largely ignored Valley Temple where he found a large number of beautifully carved statues of Menkaure flanked by the goddess Hathor and Bat, which proclaimed his authority as king.
Inside the Pyramid
Menkaure’s pyramid chambers are divided into three distinct levels, more complex than those of his father Khafre. They include a chamber carved with decorative panels and another with six large niches, as well as a vast burial chamber lined with massive granite blocks.
It was in the burial chamber that Vyse discovered two coffins, a large 8-foot-long black stone sarcophagus carved with niched panels (now at the the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea), and the remains of a wooden coffin bearing the name of Menkaure (now displayed in the British Museum).
Menkaure’s Queens
South of the Pyramid of Menkaure are three more small Queens’ Pyramids. While it remains unclear who is buried there, these pyramids may have been the resting places of the king's wife Khamerernebty II, and possibly his half-sister, Shepsetkau.
Another of Menkaure’s wives, Rekhetre, is buried in the Central Field of the Giza Necropolis.
Near the valley temple of Menkaure, is the tomb of Khentkaus, Menkaure’s daughter. It is much larger than the other Queen’s pyramids and has its own boat pit, valley temple, and living quarters for priests.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pyramid of Menkaure
What is the Pyramid of Menkaure important?
The Pyramid of Menkaure was constructed during the Old Kingdom period in ancient Egypt, making it one of the oldest and most well-preserved relics of the past. The Giza pyramids also reflect the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians on death and the afterlife. The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main pyramids of Giza, built to house the tomb of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure.
Who built the Pyramid of Menkaure?
The Pyramid of Menkaure was built under the supervision of Pharaoh Menkaure around 2490 to 2472 BC. He was the fifth pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom. This pyramid is the smallest and southernmost pyramid in the Giza complex.
How did the Pyramid of Menkaure get damaged?
The Pyramid of Menkaure was damaged in 1196 AD by Al Aziz Uthman, the Sultan of Egypt. He hired a number of workers to demolish the temple of Menkaure. However, he underestimated the cost and manpower required to destroy such a huge structure. His efforts, however, have left a long gash on the northern face of the Pyramid of Menkaure.
What is inside the Pyramid of Menkaure?
The inside of the Pyramid of Menkaure has a number of chambers carved with decorative panels. The burial chamber is lined with granite blocks and once contained the king’s black stone sarcophagus. Most pyramids in the Giza complex have similar interiors, filled with narrow complexes and passageways and lined with ancient hieroglyphics on their surfaces.
Can you go inside the Pyramid of Menkaure?
Yes, if you have booked Pyramids of Giza tickets, you can go inside the Pyramid of Menkaure. However, depending on your ticket, you might have to pay an additional fee to explore the Pyramid of Menkaure interiors.
When did Menkaure build this pyramid?
The Pyramid of Menkaure was built under the supervision of Pharaoh Menkaure around 2490 to 2472 BC. This pyramid was constructed to house the tomb and treasures of Pharaoh Menkaure. Ancient Egyptians believed that these pyramids would help their pharaohs continue their journeys into the afterlife.
How tall is the Pyramid of Menkaure?
While it is the smallest of the three Pyramids of Giza, Menkaure’s Pyramid stands at 65 meters (or 213 feet) tall. It is situated after the Pyramid of Khafre, in the southernmost corner of the Giza complex.
Can I buy tickets to visit the Pyramid of Menkaure?
Yes, you can purchase Pyramids of Giza tickets that include access to the Pyramid of Menkaure. Depending on the ticket you purchase, you may have to pay an additional fee to explore the inside of the Pyramids.
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