Menkaure was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 6th dynasty (ca.2620-2480 BC) who ordered the construction of the third 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 Re." He was the successor of Khafre (Chephren). Other spellings: Men-Kau-Re, Mycerinus (Latin), Mykerinos (Greek).