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Menkaura (Mycerinus)
was the builder of the 3rd pyramid at Giza. He ruled during the
4th dynasty, 2532-2504 BCE. Historians report that he was a fair
and kind man. Earlier pharaohs had closed the temples to the
common people. Menkaura felt that the beauty and power of the
temples should be enjoyed by all, not just the nobility. As a
result, he promptly reopened them to the public. This made him
well loved by the common people.
His parents were Khafra
and Khamerenebty I. He had three queens, all of which he built
small pyramids for. His chief queen was Khamerenebty II. He is
known to have had at least three children. His oldest son, Khuenre,
died before Menkaura left the throne. Thus his second son, Shepseskaf,
became Pharaoh. He also had a daughter named Khentkawes.
There has been much debate
over why Menkaura's pyramid is so much smaller than Khafra's
and Khufu's. Some believe that the economy was declining and
a small pyramid was all that could be afforded. While others
disagree, saying there is no proof of this. Some assert that
it was intentionally small. It was, along with other pyramids
built during this time, meant to reflect the shape of the constellation
of Orion. The three pyramids at Giza are said to be the earthly
belt of Orion. This not only explains the size of Menkaura's
pyramid, but also the odd alignment. For more information about
this theory, please visit The Orion Mystery. This website is based
on the ideas presented by Robert Bauval in his book by the same
name. |
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