Menkaure's Pyramid was being cased in rose granite from Aswan (7 on Mohs scale), yet its core is limestone. Builders left mysterious knob protrusions on top rows, possibly lifting points. Adjacent granite blocks share curved faces that lock together perfectly without flat surfaces — stunning ancient stonework!
Menkaure's Pyramid granite casing features unusual knobs and curved joints
EgyptArchitecture
Key facts
- Menkaure's Pyramid was being cased in hard rose granite from Aswan (7 on Mohs scale)
- The core of the pyramid is made of limestone, unlike other pyramids
- Top rows of granite casing blocks feature knob-like protrusions of unknown purpose
- Some blocks have reverse knobs (slots) that may have been used for lifting
- Adjacent granite blocks have corresponding curved faces that fit together perfectly without being flat
Site mentioned
Sources
The Pyramid of Menkaure On the Giza Plateau - Tour Egypttouregypt.net
It has a core of local limestone blocks, with casing made of unfinished pink granite from Aswan up to a height of about fifteen meters. ... There is an ...
Menkaure Pyramid History - Egypt - Memphis Toursmemphistours.com
The lower section of Menkaure Pyramid is clad in red granite from Aswan, This dual-material casing is unique among the Giza pyramids.
Menkaure Pyramid: History, Facts, Architecture & Insideegypttoursportal.com
It was made of local limestone with pink granite casing from Aswan, the lower parts were unfinished to ensure accurate fitting without damage ...
Pyramid of Menkaure - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
The first course of its casing was of red granite from Aswan, never dressed smooth on the eastern face where it was covered by the back wall of the temple;
Pyramid Complex of Menkaure - Discover Egypt's Monumentsegymonuments.gov.eg
Menkaure employed granite, which was quarried in Aswan, over 800 km away. only the bottom quarter of the casing stones are made of granite … much of the ...
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