Pyramid of Saqqara

Djoser wanted something different, something that would have him not only remembered, but as a symbol of his power and influence over his people.. Turning to Imhotep, a great architect of the time, construction on his tomb began.Imhotep originally planned building a mastaba, but the plan soon changed.

The Step Pyramid is one of the first of the many pyramids that are iconic to ancient Egyptian culture. Djoser's Pyramid is considered a leader in the long history pyramid construction in Egypt.The Step Pyramid was built during the 3rd Dynasty in Saqqara for the pharaoh Djoser by his architect Imhotep.
Djoser's pyramid was a revolutionary design for its time. Previously, pharaohs were buried in mastabas -- bench-like tombs that became common for nobles, pharaohs, and the royal family.

"Both Imhotep and Djoser wanted to build it larger and larger it seems. In the end the original mastaba soon had 5 smaller ones stacked on top of it, one on top of the other. By the end of its construction, the Step Pyramid had a height of 62m and a base area of 140m by 118m -- one of the greatest architectural achievements of its time. It is also remarkable for the use of stone as construction material, instead of mud brick, which had been used before. Before this, no civilization had built something this big, and was the largest stone structure in existence at the time.The area around the tomb became a large funeral complex in honor of Djoser, 2.5 times larger than the Old Kingdom town of Hierakonpolis. The complex is 37 acres in size and is surrounded by an over 10 meters high wall. The wall contains thirteen false doors, as well as one real entrance in the south east. The entrance corridor is made of stone, but the ceiling is carved to look as if made of wood. A three ton piece of granite sealed the entrance.

The impact of the Step Pyramid was profound. Imhotep, gaining great fame for this wonder, later was declared the patron god of architects and doctors. The pyramid was a famous attraction, with pilgrims and tourists traveling far and wide to gaze at the structural marvel. More importantly, the unique design inspired the more famous smooth-sided pyramids most people are accustomed to today." by Ian Cook,

The site was a great attraction in antiquity: As evidenced by ancient graffiti, people came here as tourists and pilgrims from as early as the Middle Kingdom (2040-1640 BC), if not earlier.

What to See at the Step Pyramid of Djoser

When it was first completed and covered in smooth limestone, the Step Pyramid had a height of 62m and a base area of 140m by 118m.

Special permission is needed from the site's Antiquities Inspectorate to access the interior. The original entrance was on the north side, but this has been blocked up and visitors enter via a newer tunnel in the south face. Passageways and wooden ladders lead 28m underground to the pharaoh's burial chamber, which was plundered in antiquity.

The Step Pyramid is surrounded by a large funerary complex, which has been partially reconstructed. Among the buildings flanking the pyramid are a hypostyle hall and Great South Court. One wall has afrieze of cobras. The cobra, worshipped as a goddess in this region, was the symbol of royalty.

On the northern face of the pyramid are the remains of a small room called a Serdab. A sloping wall against the pyramid is drilled with two large holes, which allow a glimpse of the statue of Djoser inside (a replica; the original is in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo). Ancient Egyptians made offerings to the deified pharaoh through these holes.

Near the wall with the cobras is the Southern Tomb, whose interior is decorated with blue tiles and a relief of Djoser running the Heb-Sed race. A ritual marking the 30th year of his reign, this required him to run back and forth between thrones to represent the union of Lower and Upper Egypt.

Step Pyramid of Djoser_Travel Egypt Tours

DISCOVER YOURSELF EGYPT

In Saqqara-- considered as the richest archeological city in Egypt, the Serapeum, also known as the Apis bull was reopened on September 2012 after it was renovated. It is a long corridor with granite or basalt tombs on both sides where Egyptians used to bury the sacred Apis bull.The Serapeum, whose origin dates back to around 1400 BC, was discovered in 1851 by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette, founder of the first department of Egyptian antiquities.They used to perform embalmment rituals that were actually performed for kings. Some of the tombs were engraved with symbols characterizing the daily life of ancient Egypt. It was closed temporarily in 2001 because of water seepage and earth movements.The renovation project cost around twelve million Egyptian pounds and included strengthening the foundations of the rooms and fixing dismantled walls, in addition to designing ventilation, lighting and surveillance system.

The site contains huge subterranean galleries in which are contained the large tombs of some 30 sacred bulls, accompanied by steles bearing inscriptions providing information on the reigns under which the animals lived.This archeological site is linked to very old beliefs regarding ancient Egypt, when they declared the sacred Apis Bull to represent the responsibility of Egypt’s ruler that was to guarantee the fertility of the land and its animals,In addition to the Serapeum, two tombs were inaugurated: Ptahhotep, the visior in the fifth dynasty, and Mereruka the son in law of King Teti. It is the largest individual tombs in the ancient Egypt era. After more than ten years of renovations, the Apis Bull tombs, also known as the Serapeum are now opened to the public. This tomb was discovered in the mid of the nineteenth century. This discovery and its registration was the first of its kind in Egyptology

Serapeum of Saqqara

Imhotep was chief architect to the Egyptian pharaoh Djoser (reigned c.2630 - c.2611 BC). He was responsible for the world's first known monumental stone building, the Step Pyramid at Sakkara and is the first architect we know by name.

A commoner by birth, Imhotep's intelligence and determination enabled him to rise through the ranks to become one of Djoser's most trusted advisors, as well as the architect of the pharaoh's tomb, the Step Pyramid.

Imhotep's influence lived on well after his death. In the New Kingdom he was venerated as the patron of scribes, personifying wisdom and education. In the 'Turin Papyri' from this period he is also described as the son of Ptah, chief god of Memphis, in recognition of his role as a wise councillor.

During the Late Period his veneration extended to deification and he became a local god at Memphis where he was glorified for his skills as a physician and a healer. He is said to have extracted medicine from plants and treated diseases such as appendicitis, gout and arthritis. At Memphis he was served by his own priesthood and he was considered to be an intermediary between men and the gods. It was believed that he could help people solve difficulties in their daily lives and cure medical problems.

Imhotep

(2667 BC - 2648 BC)

This wooden panel, from the burial grounds at Saqqarah, depicts the Egyptian dignitary Hesire. Carved between 2649-2575 BCE, it demonstrates careful detail in low relief