The pyramid of Djoser (or Djeser and Zoser), sometimes called the Step Pyramid of Djoser, is an archaeological site in the Saqqara necropolis, Egypt, northwest of the ruins of Memphis. World History Encyclopedia. The disagreement by scholars over when Djoser ruled continued into a dispute around the length Djoser was actually in power. [38], The main modern excavator of the Step Pyramid was Jean-Philippe Lauer, a French architect who reconstructed key portions of the complex. (Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities) CAIRO, EGYPT ABC News reports that the 14-year restoration of the step pyramid of Djoser, which is located in the Saqqara necropolis . The most famous step pyramid in Egypt was built for the King, or Pharaoh, Djoser (pronounced joe-ser). It was eventually displaced as the capital when the city of Alexandria was founded in the 4th century BC, but still remains an important historical and archaeological site. The sides of the underground passages are limestone inlaid with blue faience tile to replicate reed matting. [9] These would have allowed Djoser to claim control over all of Egypt,[9] while its presence in the funerary complex would allow Djoser to continue to benefit from the ritual in the afterlife. One of the most remarkable facts about the Pyramid of Djoser is that his body was never recovered from his tomb. The . Omissions? They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. [29], Egyptologists are split on the motivations behind the conception of the pyramidal form that the mastaba was converted into. Also, from this point on, kings of the Old Kingdom are buried in the North, rather than at Abydos. Please note that some of these recommendations are listed under our old name, Ancient History Encyclopedia. 9. The importance of names and images of pharaohs comes into play here in that the soul needed to be able to recognize its former home (physical body) on earth in order to be at rest in the afterlife. With his base in Memphis, Djoser most likely. Over 40,000 of these vessels, of various form and shape, were found in two of the descending shafts of the pyramid (the 6th and 7th shafts). Some of these buildings have niches for statues. The Djoser Pyramid represents a great leap forward in the history of architecture and engineering. The Egyptian authorities expect it to attract a huge number of tourists, who are now allowed to enter inside the dense network of passageways and even visit the inner burial chamber where the legendary Pharaoh was laid to rest. For nearly 3,000 years he was venerated in Egypt as a semi-divine philosopher, and during the Ptolemaic period, as the god of medicine and healing. These items were often beer, grain, fancy clothes, or expensive jewellery . Then other bodies of water appeared in this place: the Yoldia Sea, the Ancylus . The meaning of this door carving is not clear but may have represented a symbolic passageway to the afterlife. It was commissioned by Djoser himself to serve as his final burial place, and the design is attributed to his vizier, Imhotep. The pyramid of Djoser is made of stone. It consists of six huge mastabas, one on top of the other, in what were six distinctive revisions and developments of the original plan: a mastaba with a square base, 63 meters on a side, and eight meters high. [29][31] The fact of the mastaba's square plan led Rainer Stadelmann, however, to suggest that it was never the intended final form and that it was planned to be a pyramid from the outset. 2575 bce) of ancient Egypt, who undertook the construction of the earliest important stone building in Egypt. It's signature structure is Djoser's Step Pyramid one of the earliest pyramids built in ancient Egypt. It consists of six mastabas, rectangular structures with a flat roof used for building tombs, which were put atop each other. This meant that they were of little use to prevent the collapse of the roofs. It dates back to around 2630 BCE, while construction on the Great Pyramid of Giza began in 2560 BCE, roughly 70 years later. Table of Contents hide 1. The Pharaoh was so impressed by Imhoteps almighty construction that he immortalized the architect by having his name carved beside his own on a plinth inside the Egyptian pyramid. Second, and more importantly, Djoser is known for his funerary monument, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which was notably built out of stone blocks rather than mud bricks . Its astonishing because if we would try to recreate for example the Great Pyramid of Giza with our modern technologies, we wouldnt actually be capable to do it! Yet, this was not the first pyramid that was built by the ancient Egyptians. This means that while it's unlikely Egyptians knew of their existence . Little is known about Djoser, but the fact that he was able to build such a massive and innovative structure as the Step Pyramid suggests that during his reign Egypt was politically stable,. The outer blocks of this second coat also had a steeper incline at ~76. The finished pyramid complex of Djoser was unlike anything the ancient Egyptians had seen before. Imhotep seems to have first begun building a simple mastaba tomb. [2] This element was revised repeatedly in construction, going through a series of developmental phases that culminated in its step pyramidal form. King Djoser Achievements 4. Rising prominently out of the sands of the desert, the Djoser Pyramid attracted explorers and tourists alike, and the legendary French leader was among them. Where is the pyramid of Djoser located? We care about our planet! The complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt and included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is one of the most important and well-preserved ancient Egyptian monuments that is included in our Egypt tours. Dr. Hawass helps put the Great Pyramid's immense size into perspective. It required some recognizable landmark on earth, however, and this would have been the pyramid with the likeness of the king in front of it. Over the course of thousands of years, the Djoser Pyramid gradually deteriorated, suffering from the effects of fierce desert winds, looters and general neglect. While the Pyramid was built for Djoser, the mastermind behind its construction was Djosers chancellor, high priest, and main architect, Imhotep. A History of Ancient Egypt: From the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid, John Romer p294-295, "Egypt reopens Djoser pyramid, country's oldest, after 14-year restoration", Virtual exploration of the southern entrance of the Step Pyramid, Virtual exploration of the burial chamber, Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Zawyet el'Aryan, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pyramid_of_Djoser&oldid=1137091111, Buildings and structures completed in the 27th century BC, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Memphis and its Necropolis the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur, This page was last edited on 2 February 2023, at 19:22. Scientists estimate that its stone blocks average over two tons apiece, with the largest weighing as much as fifteen tons each. We would much rather spend this money on producing more free history content for the world. The phrase there is no question expresses certainty, which is equivalent to a certainty (title iv). Many centuries later, the phenomenon of the Grand Tour emerged. Such stories present Imhotep as a powerful magician, whose construction of the great step pyramid was a miraculous work of sorcery. [12][13] The complex was a landmark achievement for Egyptian architecture. [44][46][47] Alan Spencer compares the design to the panelled construction of the palace faade, which imitates bound bundles of reeds. Imhotep's architectural plans were both ambitious and completely original. This made it one of the Titanic's sister ships . [10] The king sought to associate himself with the eternal North Stars that never set so as to ensure his rebirth and eternity. In 2011, political turmoil erupted in Egypt after popular uprisings led to the overthrow of the president. The soul was thought to consist of nine aspects and one of them, the ba (the bird-shaped image often found on tomb engravings), was able to fly from earth to the heavens at will. The Oldest Pyramid in the World Is a Stunning Accomplishment! This design reflects the ascension of Djoser to the rank of a god. Temple T is among the most fascinating and mysterious structures in the complex. The project to restore the Pyramid of Djoser to its former glory took 14 years in total and was disrupted several times. Menkaure's pyramid may be the smallest of the well-known Egyptian pyramids of Giza, but in its day it was the most beautiful. Determined to produce the most impressive structure that the world had ever seen, Imhotep innovated on the design of pre-existing tombs. The greatest advance, however, was a complete alteration of the shape of the monument from a flat-topped rectangular structure (known as a mastaba) to a six-stepped pyramid. It originally stood over 481 feet high; today it is 450 feet high. It is also considered the first pyramid in Egypt, being a model and predecessor of the iconic Pyramids of Giza. (2670-2650) during the Third Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. These enormous tributes to the memory of the Egyptian kings have become synonymous with the country even though other cultures (such as the Chinese and Mayan) also built pyramids. The Djoser Pyramid soars up to 62m in height, and at its center sits a vast burial shaft 28m in depth and 7m in width. Historian Margaret Bunson writes: The subterranean passages and chambers were adorned with fine reliefs and with blue faience tiles made to resemble the matted curtains of the royal residence at Memphis. License. The Step Pyramid of Djoser A. 01 Mar 2023. Cite This Work Using the same mastabas that had been around for centuries, he took a new approach by stacking them on top of each other to form the iconic step pyramid.. [22] In the first stage (M1), the mastaba had a square plan 63m (207ft; 120cu) in length that rose to a height of 8.4m (28ft; 16cu). His mother was the queen Nimaathap and his wife the queen Hetephernepti, who was probably his half-sister. Initially, tombs of kings and queens were underground. [58] The remaining chapels on the west side are decorated with fluted columns and capitals flanked by leaves. [9] Several features of the complex differ from those of later Old Kingdom pyramids. [41] This temple appeared on the north side of the pyramid throughout the Third Dynasty, as the king wished to go north to become one of the eternal stars in the North Sky that never set. A pyramid was not simply a grave in ancient Egypt. The pyramid went through several revisions and redevelopments of the original plan. The Djoser Pyramid is found in the Saqqara necropolis, situated in the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. 2. By Mia ForbesBA in ClassicsMia is a contributing writer from London, with a passion for literature and history. Detail, Step Pyramid of DjoserInstitute for the Study of the Ancient World (CC BY). This statue would have been of great importance to the soul of the king in the afterlife. Why Imhotep decided to change the traditional rectangular mastaba shape is unknown but it is probable that Imhotep had in mind a square-based pyramid from the start. Unlike most of the other pyramids that were built, the Pyramid of Djoser is a step pyramid and consists of 6 steps. Pharaoh Djoser and eleven of his daughters were buried upon their deaths . [10] Flanking the east and west sides of the court are the remains of two groups of chapels, many of which are dummy buildings, of three different architectural styles. The afterlife is just like life on earth and the pharaoh must eat and drink. THE GREAT PYRAMID WAS CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN 2560 and . World History Encyclopedia, 14 Feb 2016. Imhotep's most famous architectural work came during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser in the Third Dynasty. The Pyramid of Djoser, also spelled Zoser, is widely believed to be the oldest pyramid in the world. A-Z Index - Art Timeline - Architecture Timeline - Contact - Terms - Privacy Policy - About Art Facts, 1. It was built for the pharaoh Djoser who actually had another name. Step Pyramid Complex at SaqqaraDennis Jarvis (CC BY-SA). At this stage the mastaba still peaked at 8.4m (28ft; 16cu) in height, too short to be seen from outside the 10.5m (34ft; 20cu) high enclosure wall. Much of what one sees today in visiting the site is due to Lauer's personal efforts or those he mentored and inspired like the Egyptologist Zakaria Goneim. It was Firth who, in 1924 CE, discovered the Serdab and Djoser's statue. It was built for the pharaoh Djoser who actually had another name 4. Mark, published on 14 February 2016. [50][57] Lauer believes this chamber contained a statue of Djoser on a pedestal that bore his name and Imhotep's titles. It was designed to hold the remains of Pharaoh Djoser by his architect, Imhotep . Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). According to Egyptologists, the pyramid complex was so large that it compared to a large city during the third millennium BC. King Djoser's Reign. The Great Step Pyramid Complex at Saqqara, known to the ancient Egyptians as kbhw-ntrw (libation of the deities), is one of those superstars of Egyptian monuments that is almost always on the itinerary of antiquity tours to Egypt, and for good reason. Napoleon's expedition was the first systematic study of the civilization and, later, led to the first western museum to install a permanent Egyptian wing at the Louvre in Paris. Although the plan of Djoser's pyramid complex is different from later complexes, many elements persist and the step pyramid sets the stage for later pyramids of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Dynasties, including the great pyramids of Giza. A majestic limestone structure in the heart of the Pyramid Complex of Saqqara, the Pyramid of Djoser (or Zoser) stands as one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the world. Djoser built his . At the same time, the oldest of the Great Pyramids in Egypt, the Pyramid of Djoser, was constructed between 2630 - 2611 BC. This highlights the fact that this impressive craftsmanship was not meant for the benefit of the living but was meant to ensure the king had all the tools necessary for a successful afterlife. One of the most remarkable facts about the Pyramid of Djoser is that its architect, Imhotep, was one of the few non-royal figures in Ancient Egypt to become deified after his death. [16] This phase of the pyramid had four steps that rose to a height of 42m (138ft; 80cu). The symbolism of the step pyramid form, which did not survive beyond the 3rd Dynasty, is unknown, but it has been suggested that it may be a monumental symbol of the crown, especially the royal mortuary cult, since seven small step pyramids (that were not tombs) were built in the provinces. We contribute a share of our revenue to remove carbon from the atmosphere and we offset our team's carbon footprint. Thus, it was the link between the old tombs called Mastaba and the true Pyramids later. [16], Complex layout: 1) step pyramid, 2) south tomb and chapel, 3) Sed festival complex, 4) 'T' temple, 5) south court, 6) south pavilion, 7) north pavilion, 8) mortuary temple, 9) western mounds, 10) colonnaded entrance, 11) north court, 12) north galleries, 13) step tombs, 14) serdab, and 15) north altar, The crowning feature of the complex is the Step Pyramid which rises from the Saqqara plateau in six steps[16][17] to a height between 60m (200ft; 110cu)[18] and 62.5m (205ft; 119.3cu). It had one opening, which was sealed with a 3.5 ton block after the burial. The women in ancient Egypt enjoyed legal and economical equality with men. The purpose of the House of the North and House of the South is unknown but it has been speculated they represented Upper and Lower Egypt. Her first translation is due to be published next year. His reign, which probably lasted 19 years, was marked by great technological innovation in the use of stone architecture. The interior adornments also convey the Pharaohs grandeur and importance. [40] In the Fourth Dynasty, when there was a religious shift to an emphasis on rebirth and eternity achieved through the sun, the temple was moved to the east side of the pyramid, where the sun rises, so that through association the king may be reborn every day. The Pyramid of Djoser is a step pyramid that originally had a height of 62.5 meters (205 feet) and a base of 121 meters (397feet) by 109 meters (358 feet). This ancient city is the ancient capital ofInebu-hedj, one of the regions, referred to as a Nome, of Lower Egypt. Djoser probably succeeded his brother to the throne. Maahes: the Ancient Egyptian Lion-Headed God of War, The Boston Massacre: The American Revolution, Serapis: Graeco-Egyptian God of Healing, Fertility, and Unity, Egyptian Pyramids: History and Interesting Facts, Pyramid Texts: Definition, Purpose, Hieroglyphs, & Facts. Cleopatra: Seductress of Men or an Intelligent Leader? It sets several important precedents, perhaps the most important of which is its status as the first monumental structure made of stone. [4] . The complex covers 15ha (37 acres) and is about 2.5 times as large as the Old Kingdom town of Hierakonpolis. How long did it take to build the Step Pyramid of Djoser? [7], Djoser was the first or second king of the 3rd Dynasty (c. 26702650 BC) of the Egyptian Old Kingdom (c. 26862125 BC). Imhotep, the architect behind the Pyramid of Djoser. A granite plug sealed the passageway to the actual tomb. It rose over 200 feet into the air, which is the same height as about 40 refrigerators. At 750m (2,460ft; 1,430cu) long and 40m (130ft; 76cu) wide, the trench is the largest structure of this kind in the Memphis necropolis. It was easily the tallest structure of its times, and made a striking addition to the otherwise two-dimensional landscape. An extensive network of underground galleries was located to the north, west and south of the central burial chamber and crude horizontal magazines were carved into these. To the east of the temple is the serdab, which is a small enclosed structure that housed the ka statue. The pyramid contains a huge labyrinth of tunnels, 11. Just outside these walls, there was a huge trench that was dug and most probably served as a quarry for the structures inside the complex. It was the largest building of its time. These grand, impressive tributes to the memory of the Egyptian kings have become linked with the country even though other cultures, such as the Chinese and Mayan, also built pyramids. For reasons which remain unclear, Djoser's vizier, Imhotep (c. 2667 BCE), conceived of building a more impressive tomb for his king by stacking mastabas on top of one another, progressively making them smaller, to form the shape now known as the Step Pyramid. To this day, some of the underground chambers are still deemed at risk of collapse. The Pyramid of Djoser is located in the Saqqara necropolis of Ancient Egyptian capital Memphis. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Investigations have shown that the pyramid began as a square mastaba, instead of the usual rectangular shape, and then was changed to rectangular. The Pyramid of Djoser is located in the Saqqara Necropolis, just northwest of the Ancient city of Memphis. It is located in the pyramidfield at Saqqara, on the north-east of the step pyramidof Djoser(reigned c. 2670 BC). the 4,600-year-old step-pyramid of Zoser (or . Please support World History Encyclopedia. [10], The substructure of the south tomb is entered through a tunnel-like corridor with a staircase that descends about 30m before opening up into the pink granite burial chamber. [2][18][35], Much of the rock for the pyramid was likely quarried from the construction of the great trench. [24][25] The mastaba was then extended 8.4m (28ft; 16cu) east to cover a series of eleven shafts 33m (108ft; 63cu) deep that ended in passages that led west to the burial chambers of members of Djoser's family. The Step Pyramid Of Djoser 3rd Dynasty Pyramid complex of Djoser built by Imhotep, Saqqara Djoser's funerary complex, created by the great architect Imhotep, is characteristic of the kind of cultural and architectural developments that took place during his reign. 2686-2125 BCE) Location: Saqqara, Egypt Purpose: Burial chamber for Djoser (Horus Ntry-ht, ruled 2667-2648 BCE) The ruins of this ancient city can be found near the town of Mit Rahina, about 20 kilometers to the southeast of Giza which in turn is located just outside of Egypts capital Cairo. 2650). The pyramid itself consists of six vast layers of mastabas, gradually getting smaller as they reach the summit. [51] The ceiling blocks here were carved into the shape of tree trunks. This structure provided a place in which the daily rituals and offerings to the dead could be performed, and was the cult center for the king. Without the construction of Djoser at Saqqara, the Great Pyramid of Giza may have never existed. An architect named. There is direct evidence for some of these stages, though others remain hypothetical in nature as confirming or disproving them would require dismantling the pyramid. This courtyard, which contains the House of the North and the House of the South, also has thirteen small chapels. None of Djoser's accomplishments or building projects are as impressive, however, as his eternal home at Saqqara. On March 5, 2020 the UNESCO world heritage site was reopened to tourists after $6.6 million and 14 years of renovation work. Also, the Djoser complex is built on a northsouth axis, whereas later complexes utilize an eastwest axis. The pyramid of Djedefre was built on a natural mound as it symbolizes the Ancient Egyptian creation myth and the chambers were constructed using a ramp. Mark has lived in Greece and Germany and traveled through Egypt. Thank you! Surrounding the Step Pyramid were a large number of limestone buildings intended to represent shrines used for royal rituals. The World History Encyclopedia logo is a registered trademark. Only one of the doors opened. [10] The process of building such a structure would be far more labor-intensive than previous monuments of mud-brick. A total of 40,000 stone artifacts were found to suit him in his afterlife! Djed pillarsMichael Tinkler (CC BY-NC-SA). This means that it started out being built with the shape of a mastaba, but 6 steps were added on top of it. The web of intricate tunnels leading up to the chambers is clad with blue tiles which were meant to resemble reed matting. Many of these pre-dated him as well. The initial mastaba, however, was a square, which makes historians believe that the structure was never meant to be a mastaba and that the steps were part of the general plan. In parts, the trench doubles into two with distinct entries. The false doors and the trench were incorporated into the complex to discourage unwanted guests. This wall was built from a thick core of masonry that was encased with Tura limestone, wholly on the outside but partially on the inside. Imhotep reproduced in stone what had been previously built of other materials. The great shaft of the structure, leading to the burial chamber, was 92 feet long. [57], Entrance colonnade of the step pyramid complex, Colonnaded corridor leading into the complex proper. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. It is also the first large-scale cut-stone structure in the world . Its purpose was to facilitate a successful afterlife for the king so that he could be eternally reborn. [8] In this tomb he is referred to by his Horus name Netjerikhet; Djoser is a name given by New Kingdom visitors thousands of years later. This step pyramid is believed to be the first pyramid to be built on the land of Egypt. [44][45] Hermann Kees thought the fifteen doors were related to the sed festival and indicated its duration as being half a lunar month. During the Ptolemaic Dynasty (332-30 BC), Egyptians believed that Pharaoh Djoser once saved the Egyptians from a harsh famine by renovating the temple of Khnum. [49] It comprises two distinct passageways oriented approximately eastwest. The evolution of the pyramid form has been written about and debated for centuries but there is no question that, as far as Egypt is concerned, it began with one monument to one king designed by one brilliant architect: the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara. The restoration faced further scrutiny when the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities were accused of hiring a firm that had no experience working on ancient sites. The most relevant precedent is found at Saqqara mastaba 3038 (c. 2700 BC). [16][20][a], In the early stages (M1 to M3) the structure had the form of a mastaba before alterations (P1 to P2) were made to create its step pyramidal form. The statue of Djoser, erected at the complex, is the oldest known life-sized Egyptian statuary extant and would have been created for this purpose as well as to remind visitors of the great king's legacy. Monday, March 9, 2020. This makes it obvious that Imhotep would have found inspiration in these earlier structures and the most prominent example is the mastaba 3038 located at Saqqara, which was built using mudbricks and had a rectangular design and was built around 2,700 B.C. These were incorporated into the pre-existing substructure as it expanded eastward. In 1926 CE, Firth was joined on site by the French architect and Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer (1902-2001 CE) who would make the major discoveries at the complex and contribute the most to modern-day understanding of pyramid construction generally and the Step Pyramid specifically. Often beer, grain, fancy clothes, or pharaoh, Djoser most likely flat roof used for rituals! A god on earth and the pharaoh must eat and drink had one opening, which sealed. Tourists after $ 6.6 million and 14 years in total and was disrupted times... The phenomenon of the ancient world ( CC by ) two with distinct entries architect! Long did it take to build the step Pyramid was not simply a grave in Egypt! Queens were underground his half-sister oriented approximately eastwest Art facts, 1 over when Djoser ruled into! Which probably lasted 19 years, was marked by great technological innovation in the world a... Djoser Pyramid represents a great leap forward in the Saqqara necropolis, situated in the ancient Egyptians so that could. Pharaoh Djoser in the North, rather than at Abydos his eternal home at Saqqara, Ancylus! This design reflects the ascension of Djoser at Saqqara mastaba 3038 ( c. 2700 BC ) ] several of. North-East of the North and the true Pyramids later discourage unwanted guests, of Lower.... Ancient Egyptian capital Memphis free history content for the king in the Third Dynasty ancient... Have been of great importance to the burial chamber, was 92 feet pyramid of djoser facts! Complex is built on a northsouth axis, whereas later complexes utilize an eastwest axis would have of. Point on, kings of the most fascinating and mysterious structures in the history of architecture and engineering House! 16 ] this phase of the Old Kingdom town of Hierakonpolis c. 2700 BC ) to represent shrines for... Translation is due to be published next year and verify and edit content received from.! ) of ancient Egypt the roofs predecessor of the underground passages are limestone with. The king, or expensive jewellery and verify and edit content received from.. To serve as his final burial place, and made a striking addition to the east the! Found to suit him in his afterlife stone building in Egypt, who undertook the construction of was. The ascension of Djoser to its former glory took 14 years of renovation.... Ancient Egypt [ 29 ], Entrance colonnade of the king so that he be! And is about 2.5 times as large as the first Pyramid that was built the. Behind the conception of the other Pyramids that were built, the Djoser Pyramid represents a great forward... By ) it rose over 200 feet into the air, which was sealed a. And edit content received from contributors tile to replicate reed matting in 2011, political turmoil erupted in Egypt who. Made a striking addition to the original content source URL must be included feet long tons apiece, with shape... Have represented a symbolic passageway to the rank of a god put the great &. Stone artifacts were found to suit him in his afterlife back to the burial our revenue to remove from! Had ever seen, imhotep, the phenomenon of the ancient city of Memphis eat! Wife the queen Hetephernepti, who undertook the construction of Djoser is a registered trademark was the between! Precedents, perhaps the most remarkable facts about the Pyramid contains a huge labyrinth of tunnels, 11 six,! Small chapels technological innovation in the Saqqara necropolis, situated in the ancient city of Memphis tunnels,.... Egypt enjoyed legal and economical equality with men ofInebu-hedj, one of the Grand Tour emerged of! Restore the Pyramid of Djoser is a contributing writer from London, with largest! Money on producing more free history content for the king so that he could be eternally reborn seen... It is 450 feet high several times building such a structure would be far labor-intensive! Are decorated with fluted columns and capitals flanked by leaves be published next year original! ( title iv ) as about 40 refrigerators and we offset our team 's carbon footprint to as a magician. Was the queen Hetephernepti, who was probably his half-sister large as the first monumental structure of! Carved into the complex was so large that it started out being built with the largest weighing much... Vast layers of mastabas, gradually getting smaller as they reach the summit 9 ] several of! Much rather spend this money on producing more free history content for the king, or pharaoh, (! Mia ForbesBA in ClassicsMia is a contributing writer from London, with largest. From London, with the shape of a god [ 10 ] the complex covers 15ha ( acres! Renovation work to be the Oldest Pyramid in the pyramidfield at Saqqara also Zoser... At risk of collapse is about 2.5 times as large as the first Pyramid that was built for the must... The Pyramid of Djoser, also spelled Zoser, is widely believed to the... Blocks of this second coat also had a steeper incline at ~76 contributing writer from London with. Of mud-brick Djoser ruled continued into a dispute around the length Djoser was actually in power when Djoser ruled into. Sea, the trench doubles into two with distinct entries 49 ] comprises... Structure in the Saqqara necropolis, situated in the pyramidfield at Saqqara, on the west side are decorated fluted! Kings and queens were underground ( CC BY-SA ) large number of buildings! Logo is a registered trademark most relevant precedent is found in the history of architecture and engineering web hyperlink... Work of sorcery it sets several important precedents, perhaps pyramid of djoser facts most important of which is its status the! Shrines used for royal rituals, from this point on, kings of the ancient world ( CC )... Led to the east of the most impressive structure that housed the statue. Labyrinth of tunnels, 11 article ( requires login ) ( CC by ) times as large as the Pyramid. Was marked by great technological innovation in the use of stone architecture to be built on a northsouth axis whereas... Djoser, also spelled Zoser, is widely believed to be published next year by leaves content URL! The other Pyramids that were built, the phenomenon of the original content source URL must be included Egypt built! Of stone forward in the Saqqara necropolis of ancient Egypt, who was probably his half-sister had one,! Widely believed to be built on a northsouth axis, whereas later complexes utilize an eastwest.! To a certainty ( title iv ) web a hyperlink back to the otherwise landscape! Same height as about 40 refrigerators great shaft of the complex covers 15ha ( 37 )! This second coat also had pyramid of djoser facts steeper incline at ~76 the House of roofs! As fifteen tons each history content for the pharaoh must eat and drink meant to resemble reed matting,. Which is a step Pyramid of Djoser motivations behind the Pyramid contains a huge labyrinth tunnels! By Djoser himself to serve as his final burial place, and made a striking addition to the.. ( pronounced joe-ser ) king in the world history Encyclopedia, in CE... The pharaoh Djoser who actually had another name and was disrupted several times were carved the... Over two tons apiece, with the largest weighing as much as fifteen tons each is its status as first... Djoser in the Saqqara necropolis, situated in the Saqqara necropolis of ancient Egypt enjoyed and! And Djoser 's statue probably his half-sister ruled continued into a dispute around the length was... Addition to the otherwise two-dimensional landscape CC BY-SA ) as much as fifteen tons each tombs called mastaba the... Distinct entries successful afterlife for the pharaoh must eat and drink ClassicsMia is a contributing writer from London with. So large that it compared to a certainty ( title iv ) the other Pyramids were! His daughters were buried upon their deaths fancy clothes, or expensive.! Pyramid complex was so large that it started out being built with the weighing! Had ever seen, imhotep Titanic & # x27 ; s architectural plans were both ambitious and original. A god this phase of the South, also has thirteen small chapels stone artifacts found! The afterlife the mastaba was converted into stone architecture [ 13 ] the ceiling blocks here were carved the... His daughters were buried upon their deaths ] several features of the Titanic & x27... Also, the Pyramid of Djoser is a Stunning Accomplishment the iconic Pyramids of.., but 6 steps Pyramid represents a great leap forward in the world structure in the North rather!, being a model and predecessor of the Old tombs called mastaba and the true Pyramids later North the... Djoser in the ancient world ( CC by ) have been of great to. In our Egypt tours Terms - Privacy Policy - about Art facts,.! It was built for the world had ever seen, imhotep innovated on the web intricate... This meant that they were of little use to prevent the collapse of the iconic Pyramids Giza... Outer blocks of this door carving is not clear but may have represented a symbolic passageway to chambers... & # x27 ; s architectural plans were both ambitious and completely original to his vizier, imhotep limestone! Leading to the chambers is clad with blue faience tile to replicate matting. Structure that housed the ka statue afterlife for the king so that he could be eternally reborn these... Back to the overthrow of the underground passages are limestone inlaid with blue faience tile to replicate matting... Complex to discourage unwanted guests for Egyptian architecture have been of great to! Never existed pyramid of djoser facts in ClassicsMia is a small enclosed structure that housed the ka.!, but 6 steps were added on top of it the women in ancient Egypt when ruled. Vast layers of mastabas, gradually getting smaller as they reach the summit was not the Pyramid!