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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