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Pyramid of Menkaure Overview
Facts About 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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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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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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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
Know Before You Visit Pyramid of Menkaure
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.
- Visit the Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest and the last pyramid to be built on the Giza plateau.
- Step inside the Menkaure’s pyramid and explore its three decorated chambers.
- Travel back in time as you get to know about the history of Egyptian king
- Go on a guided tour of Menkaure’s pyramid and learn about the most popular architectural wonder of Egypt.
- Witness the spectacular view of the pyramid of Menkaure.
- Click stunning photos in front of the tomb of Menkaure with your family and friends.
Tips To Visit Pyramid of Menkaure
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).
What is the best time to visit the Pyramid of Khafre?
The best time to visit the Pyramid of Khafre is during morning when the crowd is less and the weather is also pleasant, making it best for tourists to walk around.
Can We Book Pyramid of Giza Tickets online?
Yes, you can book your tickets for Pyramid of Giza online in advance and get your tickets on your preferred date.
What’s Inside the Pyramid Of Giza?
As you move down inside the pyramid, you’ll see the opulent galleries and several burial chambers with coffins (or sarcophagus) of Egyptian Pharaohs from historic times.
Can you go inside the pyramids of Giza?
Yes, you can go inside the pyramids of Giza and see the inner carvings.
What are some interesting facts about the Pyramid of Menkaure?
The Pyramid of Menkaure, located on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, is the smallest of the three main pyramids. Built during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, around 2532–2503 BC, it served as the tomb for Pharaoh Menkaure. The pyramid originally stood at 66.5 meters (218 feet) but now measures 61 meters (204 feet) due to the loss of its smooth outer casing. One more interesting fact about interesting fact about Pyramid of Giza is that unlike other pyramids, it features a granite-clad lower section. Interestingly, the burial chamber remains empty, as the pharaoh's remains were never discovered. The pyramid's unique design and enigmatic history continue to intrigue archaeologists and tourists alike.
When was the Pyramid of Menkaure built?
The Pyramid of Menkaure, also known as the Pyramid of Mykerinos, was constructed during the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt, around 2532-2504 BCE. It is one of the three main pyramids located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo. Believed to be built for Pharaoh Menkaure, the pyramid stands approximately 66 meters (216 feet) tall and served as his tomb. Despite being the smallest of the Giza pyramids, it still captivates visitors with its grandeur and historical significance, reflecting the remarkable architectural achievements of ancient civilizations.
Where is the Pyramid of Menkaure located?
The Pyramid of Menkaure is situated on the Giza Plateau, near Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the three main pyramids at Giza, alongside the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre. Menkaure's Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Mykerinos, was built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, around 2570 to 2544 BCE. Its location on the Giza Plateau is an iconic symbol of Egypt's ancient civilization and continues to attract visitors from all around the world, marveling at its enduring grandeur and historical significance.
Who built the Pyramid of Menkaure?
The Pyramid of Menkaure, also known as the Pyramid of Mykerinos, was built during the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. Historians and archaeologists attribute its construction to Pharaoh Menkaure, who reigned from around 2532 to 2503 BCE. The pyramid, located on the Giza Plateau, served as Menkaure's tomb, a grand monument to immortalize his rule and legacy. Its precise construction techniques and the labor force involved remain subjects of ongoing research, as this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the engineering skills and cultural significance of ancient Egypt.