Djoser’s Step Pyramid complex included several structures pivotal to its function in both life and the afterlife. A pyramid was not simply a grave in ancient Egypt. Its purpose was to facilitate a successful afterlife for the king so that he could be eternally reborn.
What did Djoser accomplish?
Djoser, also spelled Zoser, second king of the 3rd dynasty (c. 2650–c. 2575 bce) of ancient Egypt, who undertook the construction of the earliest important stone building in Egypt. His reign, which probably lasted 19 years, was marked by great technological innovation in the use of stone architecture.
Who built the Step Pyramid of Djoser?
Imhotep
Pyramid of Djoser/Architects
Early Dynastic cemetery lies the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser, second king of the 3rd dynasty (c. 2650–c. 2575 bce). Djoser’s architect Imhotep designed a new form of burial structure for the king in the shape of a pyramid in six stages.
Why is the Step Pyramid important?
2630. The Step Pyramid was built during the Third Dynasty as the tomb for Pharaoh Djoser. After the Step Pyramid was built, the successors of Djoser began to build pyramids as their tombs. Prior to the Step Pyramid, pharaohs were buried in mastaba tombs, large rectangular monuments.
What is the Step Pyramid of Djoser made of?
Limestone
Pyramid of Djoser/Materials
What did Khufu do?
He is famous for building the Great Pyramid at Giza, one of the seven wonders of the world, but apart from this, we know very little about him. His nephew Hemiunu was appointed head of construction for the Great Pyramid. Khufu was the first pharaoh to build a pyramid at Giza.
How was the Step Pyramid of Djoser built?
It started off as a mastaba tomb — a flat-roofed structure with sloping sides — and, through a series of expansions, evolved into a 197-foot-high (60 meters) pyramid, with six layers, one built on top of the other. The pyramid was constructed using 11.6 million cubic feet (330,400 cubic meters) of stone and clay.
Was Djoser a king or pharaoh?
Djoser was a King, not a ‘Pharaoh’. Pharaoh is the word for a royal palace and was first used much later to denote kingship in a non-gendered way.
What is a step pyramid in ancient Egypt?
A step pyramid or stepped pyramid is an architectural structure that uses flat platforms, or steps, receding from the ground up, to achieve a completed shape similar to a geometric pyramid. These pyramids typically are large and made of several layers of stone.
