Pyramid of Djoser

The Pyramid of Djoser, often called the Step Pyramid, is a stepped stone pyramid in the Saqqara necropolis and dates to Egypt’s Third Dynasty (circa 27th century BC). It is credited as one of the earliest large-scale monumental stone structures in ancient Egypt.

The complex comprises the central stepped mastaba-like superstructure and a surrounding mortuary complex used for rituals and offerings associated with the king’s burial. The pyramid originally rose to about 62 metres and was designed as the burial monument for Pharaoh Djoser.

The monument was commissioned by Djoser and is traditionally attributed to his vizier and architect Imhotep, who introduced new stone construction techniques. Over millennia the complex has undergone restoration and archaeological work to stabilise and present the original architecture.

The Step Pyramid stands in the Saqqara plateau, part of the ancient necropolis of Memphis in Giza Governorate, on the western edge of the Nile valley outside modern Cairo.

• Architectural importance: Constructed in the Third Dynasty, the pyramid is considered the earliest large-scale cut-stone structure in Egypt and a major innovation in royal tomb architecture.
• Site context: The site is in the Saqqara necropolis, which contains multiple later tombs and monuments and is managed as part of Egypt's archaeological zones.

What to See #

• Step Pyramid: The Step Pyramid itself - a six-stepped limestone superstructure built as the central tomb for Pharaoh Djoser and reaching about 62 metres in height.
• Funerary complex: The surrounding funerary complex, including the mortuary temple, offering courts and enclosed precinct that formed part of the burial rituals for Djoser.