Menkauhor
Menkauhor was the least known pharaoh of the 5th dynasty, but several archaeological discoveries prove his contributions during his reign.
Menkauhor is considered to have been the 7th ruler of the 5th dynasty. He was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh and is believed to have ruled at the end of the 25th century B.C. or the beginning of the 24th century B.C. Menkauhor's reign is generally agreed to have been about eight years, and he was a successor to King Nyuserre Ini.
Many historical sources support Menkauhor's reign, but only so many artifacts survived. It should not be surprising that he is one of the least-known pharaohs of the Fifth Dynasty.
Many Unkown Things About Menkauhor
There is much regarding Menkauhor's reign that needs to be discovered. His birth name was Kalu, which he acquired following his ascension to the throne. The meaning of Menkauhor's throne name is eternal. His relationship with his predecessors and successors needs to be clarified. One of the significant contributions from his reign was the solar temple and the pyramids. These are mentioned in different texts found in the private tombs. It is important to note that the 5th dynasty was famous for its solar temples, and the Menkauhor temple was either at Saqqara or Abusir.
The Last Solar Temples
It is estimated that the last solar temples were built during Menkauhor's reign. This is because his successors had somewhat drifted from worship in the solar cult. Moreover, the pyramid of Menkauhor remains unidentified. There are assumptions that the pyramid is located at Dashur. At the same time, it would imply a departure from Abusir. However, some historians firmly believe that the pyramid is located at Saqqara, and much evidence supports this hypothesis.
A Small Alabaster Statue
It might be surprising to note that today, the king is attested mainly by a small statue, which is currently located in the Egyptian museum based in Cairo. Some other pieces of evidence are a slight relief showing admiration for the king and his glory, and the relief is located at the Cleveland Museum of Art. A seal bearing his name was also found in Abusir. Therefore, even if the king was not recognized during his reign, the ancient evidence found still gives due importance to him.
Menkauhor's Contribution To Mining
In addition to his contribution to constructing different temples and monuments, Menkauhor greatly expanded ventures in turquoise and copper mines in Sinai. He also continued to quarry stones like his predecessors and successors during his reign. His pyramids were also built here. The ruins have been lost in the sands, but remnants were discovered in 2008. Until the end of the period of the old kingdom, the figurine of the king was at the center of the funerary cult. Menkauhor's queen(s) have yet to be identified.
