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The Step Pyramid
Builder: King Djoser
Constructed: 2667–2648 BC
Height: 62 meters.
Location: Saqqara.
King Djoser (3rd Dynasty) ruled Egypt for 19 years, he is best known for his wonderful step pyramid which dominates the landscape in Saqqara. King Djoser’s limestone statue can be seen in the Egyptian museum in Cairo, and is considered to be the oldest known Egyptian statue. The step pyramid is believed to be the first stone structure ever built, and all the credit goes to one man, the architect Imhotep.
Statue of King Djoser
Originally the Pharaohs built their tombs using a mastaba design (one rectangular layer few meters above ground level); it is believed that step pyramid was the first transition from the mastaba design to the pyramid design. The step pyramid consisted of six mastabas (layers) built on top of one another. The outer surface was cased with white limestone; some of the outer casing can still be seen around the north face of the pyramid.
Step Pyramid Restoration Process
The pyramid has an extremely complex underground layout, and was one of the very first of its kind. It is currently closed for restoration as well as most of the tombs in Saqqara area, a reopen is expected later in 2012. The entrance to the pyramid is located at the northern side, a 28 meters vertically descending shaft leads directly to the main burial chamber, unfortunately it is not safe for public to enter the chamber therefore it is always closed.
