The Step Pyramid of Djoser
The Step Pyramid of Djoser was built for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by his Vizier Imhotep. It was constructed during the 27th century BC at the Saqqara necropolis to the northwest of the city of Memphis. This first Egyptian pyramid consisted of six mastabas (of decreasing size) built atop one another in what were clearly revisions and developments of the original plan. The pyramid originally stood 62 meters tall and was clad in polished white limestone. The stepped pyramid (or proto-pyramid) of King Djoser is considered to be the earliest large-scale stone construction. Egypt Vacations- Order your FREE Travel Brochure today! Read travel reviews about the Step Pyramid of Djoser Private Tour - Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara Private Tour - Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Dashur The complex surrounding the Stepped Pyramid of Djoser consists of an outer wall, built in stone (some of which has been restored by Jean-Philipe Lauer), wrapping this, was a 'great trench', which was not continuous, but spiralled around overlapping at the south end. The wall was built to resemble woven mats, and decorated with niches. There are 15 doorways, only one of which is actually a real entrance. This massive enclosure seems to echo the massive mud-brick 'forts' of the First and Second dynasties at Abydos and Hierokonpolis. The real entrance consists of a colonnaded corridor which had a roof carved to imitate wooden logs. The actual entrance way is marked by 2 massive stone 'doors', carved in an open position. Great Court Between the Southern Tomb and the Egyptian Step Pyramid of Djoser there is a large open area. Its true significance is unknown but it would seem to be have been associated with the ceremonies of kingship and may echo a similar area (still undiscovered) in the Royal residence in Memphis, in which the king would perform the same ceremonies. The court is about 180 m by 100 m and contained very few buildings or monuments.
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