Step Pyramid of Djoser
Saqqara (necropolis of Memphis) · Egypt · c. 2650 BCE (2667–2648 per I. Shaw), 3rd Dynasty, Old Kingdom, Egypt
The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is the earliest monumental stone building in Egypt and a "bridge" from the mastaba to the geometrically true pyramid. Its six steps, diminishing upward, grew out of successive enlargements of the original mastaba tomb, designed by the architect Imhotep. It is the closest Egyptian parallel to a ziggurat — but born in a different, funerary tradition.
Dossier
- Type: Stepped structure
- Ancient city: Saqqara (necropolis of Memphis)
- Modern location: Egypt
- Dedication: Burial place (funerary complex) of the pharaoh Djoser, center of the funerary cult
- Dating: c. 2650 BCE (2667–2648 per I. Shaw), 3rd Dynasty, Old Kingdom, Egypt
- Builders: The 3rd Dynasty pharaoh Djoser (Netjerikhet); the architect and high priest Imhotep
- Material: Limestone (facing of polished Tura limestone over a stone core)
- Plan: Rectangular base elongated along the north–south axis: c. 121×109 m (other surveys give up to 125×109 m)
- Base: 121 × 109 m
- Height (originally): about 62.5 m
- Height (surviving): about 60 m
- Tiers: 6
What matters
The Pyramid of Djoser was built in several stages: at first it was a flat mastaba tomb, then it was raised to four steps and finally to six. Hence its shape. The base measures roughly 121×109 m and the original height was about 62 m; after the collapse of the upper part and later restorations it stands slightly lower today (~60 m).