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05 16, 2023

King Menkaure | Mycerinus Pyramid

In the Egyptian language, the Pyramid of Menkaure was known as "Netjer-er-Menkaure", or "Menkaure is divine". and this goes back to the king for whom this pyramid was built to be used as a tomb for the afterlife.

He is the builder of the third greatest pyramid in Giza Necropolis which ended a great era of architectural magnificence, the Pharaoh is considered to be the son of King Chephren and Queen Khamernebti I. He got married young to his sister, who had become the future queen Khamernebti II, she bore him a son called Khunre, who probably died at a very young stage.

King Mycerinus married two other wives, but none of their names are known to historians. He had a son from one of these wives, they named the young prince Shepseskaf, who succeeded his father on the throne of Egypt, and he had a daughter from the other one, Khentkaus I, who may later have married Userkaf, the first king of the 5th Dynasty.

Best Works of King Mycerinus:

Contrary to Cheops and Chephren, Mycerinus was later seen as a generous and wise king. This may have been caused by the fact that his pyramid, built next to the pyramids of Cheops and Chephren at Giza, was slightly less than half the size of these two great pyramids.

If it is true that we have not received any explanation that indicates the reasons for such a sudden and noticeable decrease, there are nevertheless possible reasons. For example, we can guess that since most of the real craftsmen were busy building temples and sculpting statues, Mycerinus' resources were now reduced to the bone; moreover, the construction of five great pyramids during the previous four kingdoms had certainly emptied the royal treasuries.

It is also possible that Mycerinus has not felt the need for a pyramid of colossal dimensions at all. A change in theological conceptions related to death could have meant that funerary temples were considered more important than the actual tomb, and in fact, the funeral temple of Mycerinus is relatively large compared to its pyramid, it could simply be that the plateau of Giza began to be overcrowded or perhaps that the pharaoh, doubting his survival, had decided to be cautious.

The pyramid of Mycerinus as you can see on the tour to Giza Pyramids was not completed when Mycerinus died and was only partially completed by his successor, Shepseskaf. The upper part was finished in the now traditional fine limestone from Turah, but 16 courses at the bottom were left undressed. This may show, at least for the pyramid of Mycerinus, that the outer casing was laid from top to bottom, probably while removing the ramp that was used to haul the heavy blocks of red granite to the top.

Cairo Top Tours will help you visit the three pyramids, including the pyramid of Pharaoh Menkaure, which is the smallest pyramid, the pyramid of King Khufu, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the pyramid of Pharaoh Menkaure, which is the middle pyramid. You will have the chance to see the Great Sphinx which in the past was the guardian of the tombs. We will also not forget the tour guide, who will help you learn about the history of Egypt and its civilizations and the most famous customs and traditions of the ancient Egyptians. In addition, our representative will help you take unforgettable pictures.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

King Menkaure, also known as Mycerinus, was a Pharaoh of Egypt who ruled during the Old Kingdom period, specifically during the 26th century BC. Here are some details about King Menkaure and his contributions to ancient Egypt:

Reign: King Menkaure's reign is estimated to have lasted for about 18 to 28 years, although precise dates are still a subject of scholarly debate.

Pyramid Construction: Menkaure is most famous for commissioning the construction of the third and smallest of the Giza Pyramids, which bears his name, the Pyramid of Menkaure. It is believed that this pyramid was built toward the end of his reign.

Pyramid Complex: The Pyramid of Menkaure was part of a larger complex that included a mortuary temple, a valley temple, and several smaller pyramids for family members and officials. These structures were dedicated to the Pharaoh's funerary cult and served as places for offering rituals.

Triads: Menkaure's pyramid complex is also known for the triads of statues found within. These triads typically depict the Pharaoh alongside deities, emphasizing his divine role and his connection to the gods.

Legacy: While Menkaure's pyramid is smaller in scale compared to the Great Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre, it still represents a significant architectural achievement. His reign is seen as a period of relative stability and prosperity in ancient Egypt.

Stele of Menkaure: A notable artifact associated with King Menkaure is the "Stele of Menkaure." It is a small stone tablet with an inscription that mentions the construction of his pyramid and his dedication to the god Hathor.

Continued Worship: Like many Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, Menkaure was revered, and his cult continued long after his death. This demonstrates the enduring impact of his rule on Egyptian society.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

Who was King Menkaure, and what were her contributions to ancient Egypt?

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