The Pyramid of Mikerin is one of the three pyramids of Giza, which is also called "Heru", that is, high. It belongs to Pharaoh Menkaur, grandson of Cheops, although it was previously believed that the building was intended for the hetera Rodopis.
The pyramid was erected in the 26th century BC, it belongs to the composition of the Great Pyramid-Tombs of Giza. Next to it are the pyramids of Chephren and Cheops. The structure is located on the edge of the Libyan Desert, near the Nile River.
History
In ancient times, the sight had a different name - "Necher er-Minkau-Ra", that is, "Minkau-Ra divine". Mikerin, after whom the pyramid is named, was the son of Chephren and the grandson of Cheops. His real name is Menkaura, and Mikerin is an Egyptian interpretation. He ordered the construction of the tomb to be completed as soon as possible, using rough stones and large blocks, but did not live to see the end of the work. After his death, the process was led by Queen Nitokris.
The smallest pyramid appeared during the decline of the era of the pharaohs and the great pyramids. By the way, the tombs built later were even smaller, their height did not exceed 20 m.
With the naked eye, grooves are visible on the surface of the structure; they are not on the other pyramids of the complex. They appeared in the XII century, when the sultan al-Aziz decided to destroy the sights. Until now, no one knows what purpose this ruler pursued: he just wanted to dismantle the pyramids or was looking for treasures in them. Workers tried to demolish the structure for 8 months using wedges, levers and ropes, but dismantling was too difficult. The Sultan abandoned his idea, leaving only a furrow on the pyramid of Mikerin.
Description
The pyramid of Mikerin is significantly inferior in size to the neighboring structures, its base area is 104.6 x 102.2 m, the height of the structure is 62 m. Due to the uneven plateau, a large layer of limestone from the quarry had to be poured before construction. The structure has the shape of a quadrangular pyramid with an entrance on the north side, at a height of about 4 meters.
The lower part of the landmark is faced with red granite, above with white slabs. Inside there is a burial chamber measuring 6, 5x2, 3 m. Previously, there was a sarcophagus in it, but during excavations the British tried to translate it. As a result, he sank in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Despite its small size, the Mykerin pyramid has an unusual internal structure. It contains not only a burial chamber, but also several tunnels, a vestibule and niches for burial utensils.
Now the pyramid of Mikerin is visited by more than 300 tourists every day. This attraction is included in a special sightseeing tour in Cairo. You can get to the building yourself: in the center of Cairo (near the Ramses station or Tahrir square), take a bus that will take you to the pyramids.
