The Pyramid of Menkaure is the third among the famous constructions erected on the Giza plateau, marking the conclusion of the era of the great pyramids. Despite being the smallest of the trio, its height exceeds 60 meters, making it sizable enough to accommodate structures like the Cathedral of León or the Tower of Pisa. While it may appear less captivating at first glance, this pyramid introduces a range of innovative architectural elements, rendering it a distinctive monument.
Standing on the expansive Giza plateau are the three renowned pyramids of the great pharaohs from the IV dynasty of the Egyptian Old Kingdom: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
This remarkable necropolis, situated a brief distance from Cairo, stands as one of the most significant architectural complexes in history and is the sole survivor among the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The pyramids of Giza serve as an extraordinary exemplar of the accumulated power and advancements attained by this civilization over more than 4,500 years, demonstrating their capacity to construct colossal edifices like these that defy the passage of time through techniques that remain partially shrouded in mystery.
The Pyramid of Menkaure, situated to the southeast of the complex, stands as the smallest among the trio and the final one to be constructed, yet its significance is by no means diminished.
On the contrary, its distinctive original pink granite covering sets it apart from its predecessors, while a series of architectural innovations implemented within established a precedent for future pharaohs to emulate.
Similar to the other Egyptian pyramids, the Menkaure pyramid formed part of an architectural ensemble comprising a funerary temple, a valley temple, a processional road, and, on occasions, small satellite pyramids, alongside the grand pyramid of the ruling pharaoh encompassing the entire compound.
Central to ancient Egyptian religion was the belief in the afterlife, and from the earliest dynasties, the tomb emerged as the paramount endeavor in the life of the pharaoh, often defining their legacy. Thus, each architectural element served a specific function within the entirety of the complex, meticulously planned rather than left to chance.
The funerary complex represented the resurrection mechanism for the ancient Egyptians, with each component playing an indispensable role in the burial process.
King Menkaure
Pharaoh Menkaure remains one of ancient Egypt’s most enigmatic rulers. Through Greek texts and contemporary inscriptions, we’ve gleaned that he held the esteemed position of the fourth pharaoh during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, being the son of Khafre and the grandson of Khufu, renowned as the architect behind the Great Pyramid. Following his reign, Menkaure was succeeded by his son Shepseskaf.
While the exact dates of his rule remain approximate, historians place its commencement around 2514 BC, concluding roughly around 2486 BC (or 2532-2515 BC). Beyond these temporal markers, the historical record is notably sparse.
Fortunately, this dearth of concrete information is somewhat mitigated by the abundance of statues depicting Menkaure that have withstood the test of time.
Among them, the triads discovered in 1908 beneath the remnants of the valley temple stand out as exquisite examples of Egyptian sculpture. These portrayals present us with an image of vigor and youth, depicting an energetic and resolute pharaoh, simultaneously embodying both divine and mortal attributes.
Pyramid of Menkaure
The complex sits upon a featureless and level terrain prior to pyramid construction, unlike its two predecessors which were erected atop preexisting mounds to reduce the quantity of blocks needing carving.
The structure was constructed using limestone blocks sourced from the Giza plateau, meticulously arranged in horizontal layers, with the block size gradually diminishing as the pyramid ascended in height.
In ancient times, it was dubbed the divine pyramid, adorned with sixteen courses of pink granite sourced from the quarries of Aswan, while the remainder of the cladding consisted of limestone blocks from Tura.
Presently, the pyramid stands bereft of much of its casing, save for a few remaining rows at the base, offering a glimpse of the precision with which the blocks were crafted.
Built approximately between 2532 and 2515 BC, the pyramid stands at a height of 63 meters, boasting a base spanning 105 square meters, with an inclination of 51 degrees, dimensions closely aligning with those of a perfect pyramid.
This pyramid boasts several peculiarities. Firstly, it signifies the culmination of the great pyramid era while heralding forthcoming construction patterns. Another distinctive feature is its internal chamber structure, serving as a prototype for subsequent pyramids. It features a rectangular burial chamber connected to a small corridor leading to an adjoining room with various compartments. Although a similar layout had been employed in Khufu’s pyramid, Menkaure’s design serves as the first internal blueprint adopted by his successors.
Furthermore, the royal causeway diverges from its predecessors by not connecting the two temples of the funerary complex, instead functioning as a causeway.
What’s Inside the Pyramid of Menkaure?
The entrance to the Menkaure pyramid is situated near the approximate center of the north face, in close proximity to the substantial gap created in the 12th century.
Beyond the entrance lies a spacious descending corridor measuring 32 meters in length, leading to a chamber spanning 14 by 3.80 meters, its walls adorned with blocks of pink granite.
Adjacent to this chamber is a smaller anteroom with segmented walls. Continuing along the corridor horizontally, one arrives at the funerary chamber, measuring 6.60 by 2.60 meters and projecting nearly along the central axis of the structure.
Within the antechamber’s floor lies a granite ramp, leading to yet another horizontal corridor featuring several compartments, culminating in the sarcophagus chamber where the pharaoh’s remains were interred.
Lastly, a conduit, measuring a mere 6 meters in length and of uncertain function, extends above the entrance to the antechamber before terminating at a large masonry block.
The pyramid’s entrance remained concealed for an extended period, with attempts to access it dating back to the Old Kingdom, undertaken by both thieves and plunderers.
The sizable gap adorning the north face of the pyramid was carved open in the 12th century by the Mamluk Sultan, in a fervent quest to lay hands on its treasure. However, neither he nor his predecessors—among whom was one of Saladin’s sons—succeeded in locating the entrance.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that Egyptologists Howard Vyse and John Shae Perring stumbled upon the pyramid’s entrance in 1837. British explorers ventured through the grand gallery into the burial chamber, only to be met with unexpected findings.
Adorning the chamber walls were inscriptions indicating the presence of previous intruders, their origins shrouded in mystery. No remnants of the funerary paraphernalia were found; instead, a basalt sarcophagus positioned at the room’s center contained the remains of a pharaoh later identified as a king from the Saite Period.
The sarcophagus unearthed within the Menkaure pyramid, along with other artifacts procured during the expedition, was dispatched to England. It would have found its place in the British Museum’s collection if not for the unfortunate fate that befell the ship transporting it—a sinking during a storm that prevented it from ever reaching its intended destination.
