The Step pyramid of Saqqara

Egypt’s Saqqara burial cemetery, which has been used for more than 3,000 years, was one of the country’s most significant burial grounds.

The vast majority of it has remained unexcavated, but among the marvels on display is the spectacular Zoser Step Pyramid.

The tomb was constructed for King Zoser in the 27th century BC by the creative architect Imhotep, known for his unique designs.

Although Imhotep constructed his tomb in stone instead of the typical mud brick mastaba burial, the Egyptian architect piled multiple mastabas on each other to create the world’s first pyramid and colossal stone structure.

Initially, the Step Pyramid complex was surrounded by a limestone wall with faux doorways to confuse invaders as they approached the complex.

Zoser’s pyramid was 62 meters (203 feet) high and 118 meters (387 feet) by 140 meters (460 feet) in circumference when it was completed with its original glossy limestone casing.

The burial chamber is reached by a shaft that is 28 meters (92 feet) deep.

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A portion of the original limestone walled wall at the entrance in the southeast corner has been repaired.

Initiate your visit by passing through a pillared hallway.

On your right will be the Heb Sed Court, where every seven years, the king’s life is symbolically revived during a celebration staged in his honor.

The buildings in the south and north are supposed to be replicas of ancient shrines in Upper and Lower Egypt, respectively, and the Serdab has a replica of Zoser’s monument (the original is in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo).

The shaft of the South Tomb, visible across the Great Court, is said to have contained the king’s internal organs.

Other tombs to visit in Egypt include:

Unas’ Pyramid, less remarkable than Zoser’s, was constructed 350 years after Zoser’s and has its inside walls covered with the Pyramid Texts, the earliest known instances of ornamental writing in a tomb.

The B Tombs and the Persian Tombs, both recently uncovered, are located to the southeast of the pyramid of Unas.

The superb 6th-Dinesty mastabas of the viziers Mereruka, Ankh-Ma-Hor, and Kagemni are located northeast of Zoser’s complex and include some of the most remarkable reliefs from the Old Kingdom and can be found to the north of the complex.

The twin mastaba of Ankhti-Hotep and Ptah-Hotep displays the many phases of tomb design and some magnificent reliefs, and it is one of the most important monuments in Egypt.

The walls of the mastaba of the royal hairdresser Ti are decorated with beautiful depictions of everyday life in ancient Egypt, which may be seen via the windows.

On the other hand, the Serape-um is the most bizarre spot in Saqqara, where mummified holy bulls were buried like pharaohs in subterranean, rock-hewn passages, much like the pyramids.

Top Suggestions

Riding horses over the desert is the most dramatic way to get to the Step Pyramid.

In Saqqara, you may hire a horse from one of the stables.
It may become quite hot at Saqqara, so drink enough fluids.

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