Built by Pharaoh Menkaure, the Pyramid of Menkaure is more popular as the third pyramid of Giza. The Pyramid of Menkaure is also the smallest of all the three Pyramids of Giza and stands at a height of only 61 meters. When you visit the Pyramid of Menkaure, you can clearly observe the architectural beauty of the Pyramid.
Since the origin of Egyptian civilization, Egyptians have continued to fascinate us with their intellectual levels and the ability to develop bizarre monuments, buildings and tombs. One of such bizarre structure is the Pyramid of Menkaure. Together with its Satellite pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure can surely be observed as a combination of Science, Architecture, Egyptian culture and mythology. Further, to make your visit to the Pyramid of Menkaure remind you of fun and adventure as well, you may find many locals willing to serve you paid activities such as Camel rides, Horse rides etc. across the three Pyramids of Giza with the Sphinx photo-bombing your snaps!
History of Pyramid of Menkaure
During your visit to the Pyramid of Menkaure, you will observe that the Pyramid including its Satellite Pyramids is incomplete. The reason behind this is that the Pharaoh died while the Pyramids were under construction. By roaming a bit around, you may come across the Mortuary temple and the Valley temple of Menkaure, which are a must-visit place during your visit to the Pyramids of Giza.
Unlike the rest two pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure has a unique architecture, which makes it famous across the globe in the present world. During your visit to the Pyramid of Menkaure, you will get to visit what is called the upper antechamber. In 1837 A.D., Richard Vyse was the first person to enter the Pyramid structure, only to discover the coffin of Menkaure and a sarcophagus of a woman, most probably his Queen. Some bones were also discovered inside them, carbon dating of which reveals that the bones are 2,000 years old. The coffin lid can be found today at the British Museum, while the sarcophagus is presently resting at the bottom of the Mediterranean. In addition to this, Saladin’s son, al-Malek al-Aziz ben Yusuf tried to demolish the three pyramids of Giza in the late 12th Century A.D. Beginning first with the Pyramid of Menkaure, al-Malek was only able to get a few stones removed in around eight months from the northern face of the pyramid. He also had to make efforts to break the stones into smaller pieces, so that he could transport them easily to the foot of the escarpment.
Due to the problems encountered in demolishing the Pyramid of Menkaure, al-Malek had to drop this idea. But his intentions left a big vertical gap in the northern wall of the Pyramid, which can be easily observed even today. Since then, the Pyramid of Menkaure has stood to draw the attention of people from all over the world towards the life of Pharaoh Menkaure.
Architecture of the Third Pyramid of Giza
Originally standing at a height of 65.5 meters, the height of the Pyramid of Menkaure has reduced to 61 meters over thousands of years. Being the smallest of all pyramids of Giza necropolis, the Pyramid of Menkaure has an angle of inclination of 51020’25”. Unlike the other two pyramids, which are purely made of limestone from the outside, the Pyramid of Menkaure has the first sixteen courses made up of red granite, while the upper portion of the exterior is made up of Tura limestone.
Close to the Pyramid of Menkaure lies its satellite pyramids. Out of these, the third pyramid, which is also the largest one, is partially made up of granite and limestone. While it’s the only satellite pyramid which got completed, the other two pyramids couldn’t be completed. The reason behind this was the death of Pharaoh Menkaure, who died when only the cores of the two satellite pyramids were built. Further, as a result of the death of Menkaure, the granite slabs placed on the exterior surface of the main pyramid were left incomplete. The Mortuary temple of Menkaure is made of different types of materials. While the foundation and inner core are made of limestone, the floor is made of granite. Further, the foundations of the Valley temple of Menkaure were also made up of stone. But during your visit to the temples, you may observe that the temples have been finished with crude bricks. The diversity in materials used for the construction of the main pyramid, the satellite pyramids and the temples preserved for years is what gives uniqueness to the Pyramid of Menkaure.
Sightseeing at Pyramid of Menkaure
People paying a visit to the Pyramid of Menkaure may also spare time and visit the other two Pyramids of Giza, namely the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre.
Activities at Pyramid of Menkaure
One may book themselves a camel ride across the premises of the three Pyramids of Giza. The camel ride is bound to take you back in ancient times, and allow you to observe the beauty of Pyramids of Giza from a different perspective. If you feel uncomfortable riding the ship of the desert, you may hop on to one of the horses and take a stroll across the Pyramids.
Shopping near the Pyramid of Menkaure
People visiting the Pyramid of Menkaure can buy different types of souvenirs from the local vendors present outside the Pyramids.
How to Reach the Pyramid of Menkaure
The only way to reach the Pyramid of Menkaure is via road transportation. Since the Pyramids are situated on the outskirts of Giza city, it is advised to reach there either through the personal vehicle or through a taxi/ cab.
Tips to Remember
Carry plenty of water due to high temperatures during daytime;
Wear Sports Shoes;
Wear light and comfortable clothing;
In case you are a Student, carry your Student ID to avail discount on Entrance Fee.
Interesting Fact
The limestone blocks in the Mortuary temple of Menkaure weigh as much as 220 tons!
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Tips to Remember
Carry plenty of water due to high temperatures during daytime;
Wear Sports Shoes;
Wear light and comfortable clothing;
In case you are a Student, carry your Student ID to avail discount on Entrance Fee.
History of Pyramid of Menkaure
During your visit to the Pyramid of Menkaure, you will observe that the Pyramid including its Satellite Pyramids is incomplete. The reason behind this is that the Pharaoh died while the Pyramids were under construction. By roaming a bit around, you may come across the Mortuary temple and the Valley temple of Menkaure, which are a must-visit place during your visit to the Pyramids of Giza.
Unlike the rest two pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure has a unique architecture, which makes it famous across the globe in the present world. During your visit to the Pyramid of Menkaure, you will get to visit what is called the upper antechamber. In 1837 A.D., Richard Vyse was the first person to enter the Pyramid structure, only to discover the coffin of Menkaure and a sarcophagus of a woman, most probably his Queen. Some bones were also discovered inside them, carbon dating of which reveals that the bones are 2,000 years old. The coffin lid can be found today at the British Museum, while the sarcophagus is presently resting at the bottom of the Mediterranean. In addition to this, Saladin’s son, al-Malek al-Aziz ben Yusuf tried to demolish the three pyramids of Giza in the late 12th Century A.D. Beginning first with the Pyramid of Menkaure, al-Malek was only able to get a few stones removed in around eight months from the northern face of the pyramid. He also had to make efforts to break the stones into smaller pieces, so that he could transport them easily to the foot of the escarpment.
Due to the problems encountered in demolishing the Pyramid of Menkaure, al-Malek had to drop this idea. But his intentions left a big vertical gap in the northern wall of the Pyramid, which can be easily observed even today. Since then, the Pyramid of Menkaure has stood to draw the attention of people from all over the world towards the life of Pharaoh Menkaure.
Activities at Pyramid of Menkaure
One may book themselves a camel ride across the premises of the three Pyramids of Giza. The camel ride is bound to take you back in ancient times, and allow you to observe the beauty of Pyramids of Giza from a different perspective. If you feel uncomfortable riding the ship of the desert, you may hop on to one of the horses and take a stroll across the Pyramids.
Architecture of the Third Pyramid of Giza
Originally standing at a height of 65.5 meters, the height of the Pyramid of Menkaure has reduced to 61 meters over thousands of years. Being the smallest of all pyramids of Giza necropolis, the Pyramid of Menkaure has an angle of inclination of 51020’25”. Unlike the other two pyramids, which are purely made of limestone from the outside, the Pyramid of Menkaure has the first sixteen courses made up of red granite, while the upper portion of the exterior is made up of Tura limestone.
Close to the Pyramid of Menkaure lies its satellite pyramids. Out of these, the third pyramid, which is also the largest one, is partially made up of granite and limestone. While it’s the only satellite pyramid which got completed, the other two pyramids couldn’t be completed. The reason behind this was the death of Pharaoh Menkaure, who died when only the cores of the two satellite pyramids were built. Further, as a result of the death of Menkaure, the granite slabs placed on the exterior surface of the main pyramid were left incomplete. The Mortuary temple of Menkaure is made of different types of materials. While the foundation and inner core are made of limestone, the floor is made of granite. Further, the foundations of the Valley temple of Menkaure were also made up of stone. But during your visit to the temples, you may observe that the temples have been finished with crude bricks. The diversity in materials used for the construction of the main pyramid, the satellite pyramids and the temples preserved for years is what gives uniqueness to the Pyramid of Menkaure.
Sightseeing at Pyramid of Menkaure
People paying a visit to the Pyramid of Menkaure may also spare time and visit the other two Pyramids of Giza, namely the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre.
Shopping near the Pyramid of Menkaure
People visiting the Pyramid of Menkaure can buy different types of souvenirs from the local vendors present outside the Pyramids.
Interesting Fact
The limestone blocks in the Mortuary temple of Menkaure weigh as much as 220 tons!
How to Reach the Pyramid of Menkaure
The only way to reach the Pyramid of Menkaure is via road transportation. Since the Pyramids are situated on the outskirts of Giza city, it is advised to reach there either through the personal vehicle or through a taxi/ cab.
