Hot and Cold Facts about the Menkaure Pyramid

The Menkaure Pyramid is the last large pyramid in the Giza pyramid complex, located at the southernmost end. It serves as the tomb of Menkaure, the fifth pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, and is the smallest of the group. Construction Details The construction period is estimated to be around 2490 to 2472 BC, but it might have been completed by Menkaure's successor, Shepseskaf, around 2510 BC. Menkaure died suddenly, leading to a rushed construction, with some granite casing near the entrance left unfinished. Originally, it stood 66 meters high, but now it is 62 meters tall. The base is roughly square, measuring 102x104 meters. Features The exterior stones are of two distinct colors, creating a noticeable contrast. The pyramid complex includes the king's pyramid, a valley temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and three subsidiary 'satellite' pyramids or queen's pyramids. To its south, there are three smaller queen's pyramids, possibly the resting places of the king's wife Khamerernebty II or his half-sister Shepsetkau. Damage Encountered British explorer Howard Vyse used explosives to search for the entrance, leaving the pyramid's exterior 'scarred.' This led to the Egyptian archaeological community abandoning the use of explosives for excavation. In 1197 AD, Sultan Al-Aziz Uthman of Egypt attempted to dismantle the pyramid but abandoned the effort due to high costs, leaving a large gash on the northern side. In 1837, Vyse discovered a carved granite sarcophagus in the pyramid's burial chamber. However, the ship transporting it to Britain sank, and the sarcophagus was lost to the sea.