Overview:

Pyramid of Menkaure-2 is a small ancient Egyptian pyramid located at the Giza Plateau in Cairo, Egypt. It is the second of three pyramids constructed by Menkaure at the Giza Plateau complex. Dating back to the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom Period of Ancient Egypt, Menkaure-2 is the smallest of the three pyramids and is about 41 meters in height and 51.5 meters in base length. The general design of the pyramid is similar to that of its larger counterparts; however, the structure is slightly more intricate due to the addition of a descending corridor at the south side and a little burial chamber inside. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Smaller Size: The Pyramid of Menkaure is smaller than the other two pyramids in Egypt's Giza Necropolis, namely those of Khufu and Khafre, making it easier to appreciate the precision in its construction. 2. Special Alignment: The pyramid is aligned on aproximately north-south axis, with the sides and faces slightly inclined to the north. 3. Unique Structural Design: The pyramid of Menkaure is composed of three towers and a valley temple connected to a causeway leading up to the main pyramid temple. 4. Perfect Geometry: The walls and blocks of the pyramid are perfectly aligned, showing off its highly advanced and precise engineering. 5. Reliefs and Illustrations: The exterior walls of the pyramid feature sculpted reliefs depicting Menkaure and Hathor, the cow-headed goddess of the Nile. 6. Majestic Entrance: The entrance of the pyramid shows a magnificent gateway leading up to the burial chamber. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Pyramid of Menkaure, located on the Giza Plateau, is believed to have been built as a burial place for the Pharaoh Menkaure during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. It is the smallest of the pyramids at Giza, with a total volume of only 285,183 cubic feet; making it the smallest true pyramid ever built in the world. Its base length is approximately 215 feet, and it originally stood around 65 feet tall. Though little is known about the pyramid's original construction, scientists believed that it was built over a period of 18-20 years, beginning around 2530-2510 BC. The pyramid is comprised of fine white limestone and is surrounded by three other truncated pyramids, which were likely created as a terrace for the temple complex that once adjoined the pyramid. The Pyramid of Menkaure is most famous for the near-perfectly-preserved grand statue found within its confines. The statue, known as the Grand Egyptian Sculpture of Menkaure, is considered one of the finest examples of Old Kingdom sculpture and depicts the Pharaoh in a traditional standing position. The statue was believed to have been placed in the pyramid in around 2560 BC. Today, the Pyramid of Menkaure serves as an important tourist destination, and is widely regarded as one of the best surviving monuments of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Menkaure was a pharaoh of the 4th dynasty (25th century BCE) in Ancient Egypt. 2. The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three Great Pyramids of Giza. It is thought to have been built around 2532 BCE. 3. The Pyramid of Menkaure is about half the height of the Great Pyramid of Giza and about one-fifth the volume. 4. Menkaure's Pyramid is believed to have been originally encased with polished limestone and later replaced with pink granite. 5. The mortuary temple located near the pyramid is thought to be one of the oldest still standing. 6. The pyramid appears to have been aligned with the constellation Orion's belt. 7. Archaeologists found an ivory statue of a lion that was likely buried in Menkaure's Pyramid. 8. "Hor-em-akhet", the son of Menkaure was meant to take over his father’s duties, but ruled for only 4 years following his father’s death. 9. Unlike the other two pyramids, Menkaure's Pyramid lacks a valley temple near the plaza. 10. In 1984, archaeologists unearthed a granite sarcophagus containing the remains of a young adult male in one of the galleries of Menkaure’s Pyramid. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era