The Step Pyramid of Djoser. Photo © Peter Brubacher.
Statue of Djoser viewed through an offering hole. Photo: Jon Bodworth.
Step Pyramid and Heb Sed Court. Photo: Jon Bodworth.
Wall with Cobra frieze. Photo: Jon Bodworth.
Location map and aerial view of Step Pyramid of Djoser. For a larger interactive view, see our Saqqara Map.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser (also spelled Djozer or Zoser) in Saqqara is the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt and an important development in Ancient Egyptian architecture.
History
The Step Pyramid was built during the 3rd Dynasty (2649-2575 BC) for the pharaoh Djoser by his architect Imhotep. Imhotep was later deified and became the patron god of architects and doctors.
Djoser's pyramid was a revolutionary design. Previously, pharaohs were buried in rectangular mastabas (like that of Mereruka nearby). Imhotep created a pyramid by stacking six mastabas on top of each other. This design would later evolve into the smooth-sided pyramids seen at Giza and elsewhere.
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
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 a frieze 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.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Step Pyramid of Djoser |
| Location: | Saqqara, Egypt |
| Faith: | Ancient Egyptian |
| Categories: | Egyptian temples; Graves and Tombs; World Heritage Sites |
| Architecture: | Egyptian |
| Architect: | Imhotep |
| Features: | Oldest |
| Status: | ruins |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | North Saqqara, Egypt |
| Coordinates: | 29.871267° N, 31.216294° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
Travel Resources
- Saqqara Map - our detailed interactive map of Saqqara, plus hand-picked links to more
- Saqqara Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
Article Sources
- Fodor's Exploring Egypt
- Step Pyramid of Saqqara - WCities
- The Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser - Virtual tour by Professor Jay Treat
- Step Pyramid - Egypt Archive
- Zoser's funerary complex - Rough Guide Egypt
- Step Pyramid of Djoser - Saqqara Online (Leiden University)
More Information
- 360° Virtual Tour of the Step Pyramid
- Imhotep - Wikipedia
Last updated on December 20, 2010.
