Construction of the Pyramid of Menkaure
The pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus) stands 65 metres tall — far smaller than those of his predecessors Khufu and Khafre — but its associated valley temple contained an extraordinary series of royal sculptures, including the famous triads depicting Menkaure flanked by Hathor and nome deities. These works, now in the Cairo Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, represent the apex of Old Kingdom statuary. Ancient tradition preserved by Herodotus recalled Menkaure as a just and pious king who opened the temples that Khufu and Khafre had shut and allowed the people to return to their ordinary occupations.
- Year: 2510 BCE
- Category: Cultural
