Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Pyramid of Menkaure

Menkaure was the son of Khafre and grandson of Khufu. He built this pyramid in c2500 BC during the Old Kingdom. The original height was 65.5 m and it is the smallest of the three great pyramids here. Some attribute this to the reduce power of the pharaoh or change in priorities since the mortuary temple is larger. Since this is the last pyramid built in the Old Kingdom, it can be viewed as the start of the abandonement of pyramids in favour of secret rock-cut tombs with separate large mortuary temples





The Queens' pyramids







A 12th century sultan attempted to dismantled this pyramid but gave up after 8 months leaving a scar on the north face





Uncompleted granite casing at the bottom of the pyramid probably due to the death of the pharaoh








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