The civilization of Egypt is one of the oldest. It was the Egyptians who built one of the seven wonders of the world - the Egyptian pyramids. Scientists still cannot understand how such a monumental structure was built with available building technologies.
Valley of the Pyramids
In total, more than 100 buildings have been found in Egypt, but the most famous of them are located near Cairo, in the Giza Valley. There are three ancient monuments here: Cheops, Khafre and the pyramid of Menkaure. The large burial complex also includes the Sphinx and a museum with an ancient boat inside. Egyptian pyramids, regardless of size, are of great historical and cultural value. Interest in them does not fade even today.
Pyramid of Menkaure
Pharaoh Mikerin (2532-2503 BC), like any ruler of that time, had to perpetuate his reign and build himself a tomb. His pyramid has modest parameters, compared with all located on the Giza plateau. It was laid in the southwestern part of the Giza complex, at some distance from the tombs of Cheops and Khafre. The tomb of Menkaure has the shape of a regular pyramid. The evidence of those times claims that this pyramid was the most beautiful on the plateau, despite its size. The locals call it "Heru", which means "high" in Arabic. The Pyramid of Menkaure, as it is also called, is the last of the great pyramids. Later, their height was standard and did not exceed 20 meters. The tomb is surrounded by ruined household buildings, as well as three mini-pyramids. Presumably, the wives of the pharaoh were buried in small pyramids. Now it is difficult to understand how exactly the pyramid of Menkaure looked, since in the 16th century it was significantly damaged as a result of the Mameluke attack on Egypt. Experts consider haste in the construction of the temple, as well as the use of raw bricks in the construction of the temple, as another reason for the partial destruction.
Parameters of the tomb of Menkaure
The distance from the tomb to the nearest pyramid of Khafre is 200 meters. It rises to 62 meters, and the length of one side is 109 meters. The Pyramid of Menkaure has the shape of a regular pyramid. Initially, it was 66 meters high, but time and the desert have done their job. At the same time, due to the fact that the pyramid was partially protected by a sand drift, the length of the sides and part of the outer lining at the base were preserved. As conceived by the designer, the pyramid was to have a base size of 60x60 meters. However, later it was decided to significantly increase the footprint. During the construction, the experience of building previous pyramids was used. Unlike its counterparts, the Menkaure pyramid has an artificial terrace in its foundation.from limestone blocks. Usually, the tombs were erected on a rocky natural foundation.
The outer cladding significantly distinguished the Pyramid of Menkaure from others. It was made from the following types of material:
- bottom lined with red granite;
- Turkish limestone used in middle part;
- top is decorated with red granite.
Inside the tomb of Menkaure
The size of the burial chamber is also modest and corresponds to the size of the pyramid. Parameters: 6.5x2.35 meters, and the height is three and a half meters. The ceiling of the main room is made in the form of a semi-arch and is made up of two adjacent blocks, it creates the illusion of a vault. Polished granite was used for facing the inner walls of the mausoleum. They also lined the walls of the corridor and the original tomb.
There is a staircase leading to the room with afterlife utensils. The pyramid was first examined in 1837 by the expedition of the British colonel Howard Vance. An autopsy revealed a bas alt sarcophagus with a wooden lid and bones. The sarcophagus was sent to study in London. However, the ship was caught in a storm and sank. The coffin lid, made in the form of a human body, was attributed by archaeologists to the period of early Christianity. Also, during the excavations, an extensive collection of sculptures was discovered. The most valuable exhibits were exhibited at the Cairo Central Museum and the Boston Museum of Art.
The skill of the designers is also evidenced by a solid block located inside the pyramid, which weighs about 200tons. This is the heaviest monolithic block brought to the Valley of the Pharaohs. A large statue of the king was also found in the main part of the temple.
