In the Old Kingdom of Egypt, there were many great works of art and architecture, but one architectural feat stands out over the rest, and that is the Great Pyramids of Giza. The Great Pyramids of Giza were three huge pyramids built in the 4th dynasty in the Giza Necropolis, which borders what is now known as El Giza, Egypt. These large scale structures required over 2 million massive blocks of limestone, which could weigh up to 15 tons each. The biggest pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, was built in a period spanning from 10 to 20 years and held the title of the tallest man made structure in the world for almost 4,000 years (Aldred 85). These three pyramids are the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, which consist
…show more content…
Menkaure’s pyramid is much smaller than those of his two successors, standing at 213 feet. The smaller size of his pyramid correlates to the decrease in importance of the pharaoh’s power during the time of his reign. Egyptians began placing more importance on the Sun God, who they worshiped, and believed that the pharaoh was just the son of the Sun God (Aldred 95-97). Although his pyramid was smaller, it was much more elaborate than that of his predecessors. Menkaure’s pyramid was enveloped in granite on the bottom levels and in the burial chamber. Granite is not only more costly, but it is more difficult to work with (Garrett). His chambers included decorative panels and large niches. His sarcophagus was made from black stone and was also carved with niched panels. The sarcophagus was discovered inside and was removed to be shipped to England, but the ship it was on sunk and it was lost at sea (Khan Academy, chapter 6). Unfortunately, during the construction of his pyramid, Menkaure died unexpectedly and all work was put on hold. It is believed that Shepseskaf, Menkaure’s heir, later completed the pyramid using mud brick (Garrett). Menkaure’s rein lasted about 18-22 years. He had a good reputation in Egyptian history and is known for putting an end to the suffering that was brought upon the citizens from his father and his grandfather’s reigns. Although he was kind, he suffered some tragedy. His only daughter died before he did, and his life ended unexpectedly as well (Khan Academy, chapter 6). Menkaure, although short-lived, was the kindest and most loved ruler of the three
Menkaure’s pyramid is much smaller than those of his two successors, standing at 213 feet. The smaller size of his pyramid correlates to the decrease in importance of the pharaoh’s power during the time of his reign. Egyptians began placing more importance on the Sun God, who they worshiped, and believed that the pharaoh was just the son of the Sun God (Aldred 95-97). Although his pyramid was smaller, it was much more elaborate than that of his predecessors. Menkaure’s pyramid was enveloped in granite on the bottom levels and in the burial chamber. Granite is not only more costly, but it is more difficult to work with (Garrett). His chambers included decorative panels and large niches. His sarcophagus was made from black stone and was also carved with niched panels. The sarcophagus was discovered inside and was removed to be shipped to England, but the ship it was on sunk and it was lost at sea (Khan Academy, chapter 6). Unfortunately, during the construction of his pyramid, Menkaure died unexpectedly and all work was put on hold. It is believed that Shepseskaf, Menkaure’s heir, later completed the pyramid using mud brick (Garrett). Menkaure’s rein lasted about 18-22 years. He had a good reputation in Egyptian history and is known for putting an end to the suffering that was brought upon the citizens from his father and his grandfather’s reigns. Although he was kind, he suffered some tragedy. His only daughter died before he did, and his life ended unexpectedly as well (Khan Academy, chapter 6). Menkaure, although short-lived, was the kindest and most loved ruler of the three