The Pyramid
of Djoser
The most mysterious works of ancient Egyptian architecture are the pyramids. These monumental structures served as tombs for Egyptian pharaohs, as well as their eternal residences in the afterlife, for the Egyptians believed that
their lives did not end with death.
The remains of the Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser are located in Saqqara, 30 km from the Egyptian capital of Cairo. The little village has become famous worldwide due to its location
near the cemetery (or necropolis) of Memphis, the ancient capital. Pharaohs of the second to the eighteenth dynasties were buried there. The so-called step pyramid is also known as the first Egyptian pyramid.
Construction phases
The base of the pyramid is a mastaba, that is, a tomb with sloping walls. Its current form is the result of a series of expansions. According to archaeologists, construction was carried out in six phases.
Shafts
Below the pyramid there are numerous shafts and chambers, including the burial chambers of the pharaoh and his family. These form an underground labyrinth, with a total length of about 5.5 km.
central shaft
maze of burial chambers
original stepped corridor
second
stepped corridor
shafts
burial chamber
The pyramid district
Besides this spectacular and monumental work, other buildings (ex. temples and mastabas) were also raised in the mortuary complex, the Pharaohs’ pyramid area, which is 1645 m long and 10.5 m high is encircled by a limestone wall.
Burial chamber
The pyramid had already been robbed during the Antiquity, presumably still before its completion. The mummy of Pharaoh Djoser was probably not placed in this pyramid; but his tomb has
not yet been discovered.
Mummy
The Egyptians thought that life does not end with death, so the body needed to be preserved for the afterlife. Mummification was a complex process during which the internal organs of the deceased were removed, then the body was embalmed and finally wrapped in white linen strips.
Information
Built: around 2700 BC
Location: Saqqara, Egypt
Original dimensions: 120 × 108 × 60 m
Designed by: Imhotep
World Heritage Cultural Site: 1979
Ancient Achievements
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Ancient Achievements
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