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Menkaure
- Builder of the third Pyramid of Giza
Menkaura (Latin Mycerinus) was a pharaoh of
the Fourth dynasty of Egypt. He ordered the construction of
the third and smallest of the Pyramids
of Giza. His main queen was Khamerernebty II. |
| Portrait
by
Winifred Brunton |
His reign has been dated between 2532
BC–2504 BC, but no accurate date has actually been found. His name means
"Last long (Men) the vital forces (Kau) of Ra." He was the successor of Khafra (Chephren).
According to Herodotus, Menkaura was the son of Khufu (Cheops). Herodotus
adds that he suffered much misfortune: his only daughter died before him,
having allegedly committed suicide. Her corpse was interred in a wooden
bull which Herodotus claims survived to his lifetime.
The oracle
at Buto predicted he would only rule six years, but through cleverness
Menkaura was able to rule a total of 12 years and foil the prophecy (Herodotus,
Histories, 2.129-133). Of course Herodotus was known for his
dramatic historic tales that were meant to entertain.
Other sources state that Menkaura was not the son of Khufu, but of Khafra,
who in turn is the son of Khufu.
The face of Menkaure is known from the beautiful statues that were recovered
from the funerary temple at Giza.
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