Pyramid of Menkaure Overview

The third of the major pyramids at Giza belongs to the Pyramids of Menkaure which is located at the southernmost part of the complex of pyramids. It was built in the 26th century to the southwest of the other two pyramids, the Pyramid of Khufu and Pyramid of Khafre. This pyramid was built to preserve the tomb of the fourth dynasty Egyptian king, Menkaure who is also known by the Greek name Mykerinos. The structure of Menkaure’s pyramid is made with around millions of limestone and granite blocks but its unfinished format implies that the king died before the construction was finished.Along with the pyramid, the complex also houses a mortuary temple, a pathway, a valley temple, and three subsidiary or queen's pyramids. After its excavation which continued from 1817 to 1837, many statues including two sarcophagi( a stone coffin) were found inside the pyramid. While one sarcophagi which allegedly was of Menkaure himself was lost in sea on the way to England in 1838, the other which is made of wood is on display in the British Museum. A number of carved statues of Menkaure alongside two goddess Hathor and Bat, were also found during the excavation which was done in the 20th century.

Facts About Pyramid of Menkaure

Construction of Pyramid of Menkaure
Construction of Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure whose original height was 215 feet (65.5 meters) was constructed around 2515 BC, by Shepseskaf who was Menkaure’s successor. But the height kept on decreasing due to sinking in sand and centuries of erosion, which made the height of the pyramid to 204 feet (61 meters). The Pyramid of Menkaure, which is often referred to as ‘True Pyramid’ because of its smooth sides, has its base measures 338 feet (103.4 meters). It took more than 15,000 workers to build this pyramid with millions of blocks of limestone and granite in its construction. The Pyramid of Menkaure like the other 2 pyramids has a temple at its base and a long stone pathway that leads east from the plateau to a valley temple on the edge of the floodplain.

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Interior of Pyramid of Menkaure
Interior of Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure is more complex than the other two pyramids and is further divided into 3 chambers. The first chamber is carved with decorative panels, the next with six large niches and the last is a burial chamber that is lined with massive blocks of granite. In the burial chamber, there are two coffins, a large 8 foot long black stone sarcophagus carved with niched panels, and the remains of a wooden coffin of Menkaure.

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History of Pyramid of Menkaure
History of Pyramid of Menkaure

Menkaure was the grandson of Khufu who built the largest pyramid for himself. The Pyramid of Menkaure was built around 26th BC but its wall, the mortuary and valley temples were only finished after the death of the pharaoh. Although smaller in size than the rest of the two pyramids, the Menkaure’s structure is well reserved and has the most complex structure. The pyramid has gone through an unsuccessful attempt of demolition by the King of Egypt in the 12th century. There are still some unsightly gash on the pyramid to its north which was done by the same workers.

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Excavations of the Pyramid of Menkaure
Excavations of the Pyramid of Menkaure

The kings of Egypt considered themselves to become god in the afterlife, so, for the preparation of their journey and transformation after death, they ordered the construction of pyramids. Each pyramid was filled with things that the ruler might need in order to sustain and guide himself. In the first ever excavation of this pyramid in 1817, nothing solid was found, and the process kept on happening until 1837 which marked the first big discovery. Egyptologist Howard Vyse discovered two sarcophagi inside the pyramid, and later in the 20th century, a series of statues of the king fringed by the goddess Hathor and Bat was revealed.

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Explore the Pyramid of Menkaure

Get to Explore the Pyramid of Menkaure

Step into a world of wonder as you explore the Pyramid of Menkaure, a timeless testament to ancient craftsmanship and royal legacy. Nestled on the Giza plateau, this pyramid beckons adventurers to unravel its mysteries. As you venture inside, a sense of awe washes over you – an immersive journey through the annals of history. The passages lead you deep into the heart of the pyramid, where you encounter chambers that once held the treasures of a pharaoh.


https://www.youtube.com/embed/0TO0_N6dx8oThe walls resonate with stories of a bygone era, invoking a connection to the past that transcends time. Ascending to the pinnacle, the view opens up, revealing the breathtaking panorama that Menkaure once ruled. The enigma of its construction, the symbolism woven into its design, all whisper their secrets to those who listen. This experience is a pilgrimage to the past, an opportunity to stand in the footsteps of ancient architects and glimpse the grandeur of a civilization long gone. The Pyramid of Menkaure invites you to embrace its history and to be a part of its eternal story

Know Before You Visit Pyramid of Menkaure

Essential Information
Highlights
Essential Information
  • Location: X4CH+WCJ، الهرم، الهرم،، Giza Governorate 3512201, Egypt

  • Timing: 7 am to 5 pm all days of the week

  • How To Reach:

By taxi: Reach to the next main street from your hotel and just wave a hand to get one taxi. On a non-traffic day, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the pyramids from downtown Cairo.

By bus: Traveling though bus is the most affordable way to move around in Cairo. The bus numbers which run from downtown to Giza Pyramids are 355 and 357, which you can catch from the bus stand behind the Egyptian Museum on the main road.

By Uber: Uber cabs are very easy to find when in Cairo. Install Uber app, insert your pick up and drop off location and you are good to go.

By metro: Traveling through the metro is a two step thing. You will first have to reach Giza from downtown Cairo through your nearest metro station. From Giza, you’ll either have to hire a cab or travel through a public bus.

  • Best Time To Visit: If you are visiting during summers i.e between March and October, then the best time to visit the Pyramid of Menkaure will be in the morning. During morning, the heat is bearable and there are fewer tourists as well which makes the whole visit worthwhile. However, if you're visiting during the winter seasons, i.e. around December and January, then it is recommended to visit the Pyramid of Menkaure in the afternoon as it gets hazy in the morning.

Tips To Visit Pyramid of Menkaure

  • Choose a hotel which is near the pyramid to have the classic views of the pyramid.
  • Book your tickets in advance and enjoy great offers.
  • Go on a guided tour of the Pyramid of Menkaure and be introduced to stories from a local.
  • Visit the Pyramid of Menkaure during the early opening hours to beat the crowd and heat.
  • While going for a camel or horse tour, fix on a price beforehand.
  • Visit the Pyramid of Menkaure during sunrise or sunset to witness the mesmerizing views.
  • Keep a lot of change/ cash on you as you will be required to keep tips in a lot of places.
  • Make sure you have been to the toilet before your visit to the Pyramid of Menkaure, as there are none after the entrance.
  • Keep a watch on your bag as there are a lot of the pickpoters roaming around the Menkaure Pyramid.

FAQs

For whom the Pyramid Of Khufu was built for?

    The Pyramid of Khufu is the oldest which was built for the second king of the fourth dynasty named Khufu (Cheops in Greek).

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