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.
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Pyramid Complex
Much of the decoration and construction of the structures within
the Egyptian Step Pyramid of Djoser complex, although built of stone,
echo the appearance of earlier structures, which would have been
built of wood, reeds or mud-brick. Whether this is due to artistic,
symbolic or technological convention is unknown, although it is
likely a combination of all three.
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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