Why is the funerary complex of Djoser important?
Djoser’s Step Pyramid in Saqqara is one of Egypt’s most iconic monuments—and rightfully so. It constitutes a significant historical turning point in ancient Egyptian funerary monuments, revolutionizing stone architecture and royal burials.
What is Djoser famous for?
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.
What is the Step Pyramid of Djoser made of?
LimestonePyramid of Djoser / Material
The pyramid was constructed using 11.6 million cubic feet (330,400 cubic meters) of stone and clay. The tunnels beneath the pyramid form a labyrinth about 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) long.
Where is the Pyramid of Djoser?
the Necropolis of Saqqara
The Djoser Pyramid Is in the Necropolis of Saqqara The Djoser Pyramid is found in the Saqqara necropolis, situated in the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. This necropolis (literally ‘city of the dead’) is among the world’s largest and most striking funerary complexes, set over an area of more than 10km.
Why is the stepped pyramid of Djoser an important structure?
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 Step Pyramid symbolize?
The Great Pyramid at Giza may feature more commonly on Egyptian postcards, but it is the Pyramid of Djoser that was the first of its kind ever to be built. The ancient Egyptians held strong beliefs about the afterlife, burying their rulers with their possessions (and sometimes even their slaves!)
What things did Djoser build?
Djoser is best known for his Step Pyramid, the first pyramid built in Egypt, although he initiated many other building projects; so many, in fact, that scholars have suggested a reign of almost thirty years to account for the number of tombs, temples, and monuments he commissioned.
Why did Djoser build the Step Pyramid?
At some point between 2667 and 2648 BC, this step pyramid was constructed for Pharaoh Djoser, setting new standards for the burial rites of the Egyptian ruler. It still stands today, over 4000 years later, making it the oldest remaining stone building in history.
Why is the Pyramid of Djoser important to ancient Egypt?
How was the 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.