Menkaura (Greek Mycerinus) was a pharaoh of the Fourth dynasty of Egypt (ca. 2620–2480 BC) who ordered the construction of the third and smallest of the Great pyramids of Giza.
Some authors date his rule between 2532–2504 BC, but no accurate date is actually given for his reign. His name means "Last long (Men) the vital forces (Kau) of Ra." He was the successor of Khafra (Chephren).
According to Herodotus, Menkaura was the son of Khufu (Greek Cheops), and alleviated the suffering his father's reign had caused the inhabitants of ancient Egypt. Herodotus adds that he suffered much misfortune: his only daughter died before him, whose corpse was interred in a wooden bull (which Herodotus claims survived to his lifetime); and that an oracle of Buto predicted he would only rule six years, but through cleverness Menkaufra was able to rule a total of 12 years and foil the prophecy (Herodotus, Histories, 2.129-133).
Other spellings: Men-Kau-Re, Mycerinus (Latin), Mykerinos (Greek).
