Merenre was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the Sixth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, around 2270–2255 BCE. He is known for his contributions to the development of pyramid construction and the continuation of the centralized state. Merenre's pyramid, located at Saqqara, is one of the notable structures from this period. His reign followed that of his father, Pepi II, and he is often associated with the decline of the Old Kingdom. Merenre's rule is marked by efforts to maintain the power of the pharaoh and the administration, despite the challenges faced by the kingdom during this time.