Menkaure

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Menkaure	Menkaure (circa 2532-2503 BCE), also known as Mycerinus, was a pharaoh of Egypt's Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom. He is most famous for building the third and smallest of the Giza pyramids. Menkaure (Egyptian name: Menkaure, known in Greek as Mycerinus), was born around 2560 BCE and died around 2503 BCE. He ruled Egypt from 2532 to 2503 BCE, succeeding his father, Khafre. Menkaure is best known for constructing the third pyramid at Giza, the smallest of the three main pyramids, originally standing at approximately 65 meters in height. Unlike the massive pyramids built by his predecessors, Menkaure's pyramid is smaller but notable for its refined craftsmanship. Menkaure's reign is considered to represent a shift from the practices of his predecessors. While earlier rulers like Khufu and Khafre built enormous pyramids to assert their power, Menkaure opted for a smaller pyramid, possibly reflecting either economic constraints or a conscious choice to prioritize other aspects of his kingship. The pyramid was partially clad in granite sourced from Aswan, setting it apart from the other pyramids, which predominantly used limestone. The statues of Menkaure, often depicting him alongside the goddess Hathor and other nome deities, are among the finest examples of ancient Egyptian sculpture. These statues reflect a high level of artistic skill, showcasing a naturalism and serenity that embody the divine authority of the pharaoh. Menkaure has sometimes been described as a more benevolent and just ruler compared to his predecessors, a portrayal that comes notably from the accounts of the Greek historian Herodotus. While these accounts may be idealized, they suggest that Menkaure attempted to present himself as a compassionate ruler. His name, Menkaure, translates to "Eternal are the souls of Ra," reflecting the continued reverence of the sun god during his reign. Egypt • \|-2613/-2494\| • Dynastie IV Synonyms: Mycerinus

Term

Definition

Menkaure (circa 2532-2503 BCE), also known as Mycerinus, was a pharaoh of Egypt's Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom. He is most famous for building the third and smallest of the Giza pyramids.

Menkaure (Egyptian name: Menkaure, known in Greek as Mycerinus), was born around 2560 BCE and died around 2503 BCE. He ruled Egypt from 2532 to 2503 BCE, succeeding his father, Khafre. Menkaure is best known for constructing the third pyramid at Giza, the smallest of the three main pyramids, originally standing at approximately 65 meters in height. Unlike the massive pyramids built by his predecessors, Menkaure's pyramid is smaller but notable for its refined craftsmanship.

Menkaure's reign is considered to represent a shift from the practices of his predecessors. While earlier rulers like Khufu and Khafre built enormous pyramids to assert their power, Menkaure opted for a smaller pyramid, possibly reflecting either economic constraints or a conscious choice to prioritize other aspects of his kingship. The pyramid was partially clad in granite sourced from Aswan, setting it apart from the other pyramids, which predominantly used limestone.

The statues of Menkaure, often depicting him alongside the goddess Hathor and other nome deities, are among the finest examples of ancient Egyptian sculpture. These statues reflect a high level of artistic skill, showcasing a naturalism and serenity that embody the divine authority of the pharaoh.

Menkaure has sometimes been described as a more benevolent and just ruler compared to his predecessors, a portrayal that comes notably from the accounts of the Greek historian Herodotus. While these accounts may be idealized, they suggest that Menkaure attempted to present himself as a compassionate ruler. His name, Menkaure, translates to "Eternal are the souls of Ra," reflecting the continued reverence of the sun god during his reign.

Egypt • |-2613/-2494| • Dynastie IV

Synonyms: Mycerinus