Step Pyramid of Djoser
The shape of tombs evolved since the beginning of the dynasties, starting from a small circular or oval pit, then a rectangular pit, and later the construction of a rectangular structure called a Mastaba, which was connected to the burial chamber by a shaft.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser is considered the greatest architectural development and transformation in tomb construction—from a single Mastaba to multiple stacked terraces. This idea later evolved into the full pyramid shape. Djoser commissioned a complete pyramid complex on a vast site of about 150,000 square meters in Saqqara, surrounded by a massive wall approximately 545 meters long, 277 meters wide, and 10 meters high, designed to resemble a palace facade with entrances.
The wall contained 14 entrances on its four sides, but only one served as the main entrance to the complex; the others were symbolic. The complex includes the entrance hall with 40 columns arranged in two rows, shaped like bundles of reed plants, and statues depicting the king wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. There is also the Southern Cemetery, located to the left of visitors near the outer decorations.
Its construction resembles a Mastaba. Beneath it lies a granite chamber whose walls are decorated with porcelain-like ceramic designs, recently restored in 2020. There is also a celebration hall—an open courtyard stretching from the Southern Cemetery to a family symbol dedicated to the Sed Festival, which celebrated the 30th anniversary or renewal of the king’s reign. Two small temples were built there, along with a building called the House of the South and another called the House of the King in the north.
Near the pyramid is a mortuary temple and a crypt, also called the House of the Statue, a small fully enclosed chamber with a small opening. It once housed a statue of King Djoser, now displayed in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.
Architectural Details
The architect of Djoser’s Step Pyramid was the vizier Imhotep, and it is considered the world’s first colossal stone building. As the name suggests, it is a step pyramid built as the burial place for King Djoser during the Old Kingdom. The pyramid is about 60 meters tall, with a base measuring 140 by 118 meters. Archaeological evidence shows that the construction took place in six phases. The first phase was a large Mastaba over 4 meters high and about 63 meters long on each side. The engineer then added to the east side, transforming it into a rectangular tomb, marking the beginning of the pyramid with four steps. Later, extensions were made on the north and west sides, increasing the terraces to six steps as seen today.
Restoration Project
A major restoration project for the pyramid complex lasted 14 years, starting in 2006 and continuing through 2020, including both interior and exterior restoration. The Southern Cemetery was opened to visitors. At the base of the pyramid lies a labyrinth of cellars and rooms extending over 5 to 6 kilometers, including a burial shaft approximately 28 meters deep leading to the burial chamber containing a huge pink granite sarcophagus.