Menkauhor Kaiu

Menkauhor Kaiu was a ruler of the Fifth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom period. He governed Egypt from about 2421 BC to 2414 BC, although dates from this era carry an uncertainty of approximately 25 years. Succeeding the long-reigning Nyuserre Ini, Menkauhor directed the royal administration from the traditional capital of Memphis.

Compared to his predecessor, relatively few records survive from Menkauhor's brief rule of about seven years. Queen Meresankh IV is associated with him as a consort, but his exact parentage remains unclear. Unlike several predecessors who chose Abusir, Menkauhor built his tomb at Saqqara. His funerary monument, historically termed the Headless Pyramid, lost its superstructure in antiquity, leaving only the subterranean chambers and base. Egyptologists confirm his reign through royal king lists, quarry inscriptions in the Sinai, and a modest number of contemporary seals and tomb reliefs. He was succeeded by Djedkare Isesi, and no physical remains of his body are known today.

Monuments

• Headless Pyramid at Saqqara

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