Discover the World's First Pyramid at Saqqara
Step back in time to the place where the world's first pyramid was built! Saqqara is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt, serving as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Saqqara features numerous pyramids, including the world famous Step pyramid of Djoser, sometimes referred to as the Step Tomb due to its rectangular base, as well as a number of mastabas (Arabic word meaning 'bench'). Located 30 km south of modern-day Cairo Saqqara covers an area of around 7 by 1.5 km.
At Saqqara, the oldest complete stone building complex known in history was built: Djoser's step pyramid, built during the third dynasty. Another 16 Egyptian kings built pyramids at Saqqara, which are now in various states of preservation or dilapidation. High officials added private funeral monuments to this necropolis during the entire pharaonic period. It remained an important complex for non-royal burials and cult ceremonies for more than 3,000 years, well into Ptolemaic and Roman times.
At Saqqara, the oldest complete stone building complex known in history was built: Djoser's step pyramid, built during the third dynasty. Another 16 Egyptian kings built pyramids at Saqqara, which are now in various states of preservation or dilapidation. High officials added private funeral monuments to this necropolis during the entire pharaonic period. It remained an important complex for non-royal burials and cult ceremonies for more than 3,000 years, well into Ptolemaic and Roman times.
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The Step Pyramid of King Djoser in Saqqara is the world’s first pyramid and also thought to be the world’s first stone building. Up until then mud, brick, wood and reeds were used. Apparently the pyramid which was built from 2630 to 2611 BC, was built by accident. The King originally asked his architect to build a large rectangular tomb like the others of his time. Then he decided he wanted his to be more spectacular so a smaller rectangular block was added to the top. Subsequent blocks were added until the pyramid took its final form. The idea caught on and his successor’s built a variety of pyramids each better than the last and finally evolving into the Great Pyramid.
In front of the pyramid is the courtyard, which was built to celebrate the Sed Festival. After thirty years of rule the pharaoh was expected to chase a sacred bull around the courtyard and catch it by the tail to prove his continuing vigor. The only entrance to the complex was through the mortuary temple. Mortuary temples were often built near royal tombs to commemorate the reign of the pharaoh and for use by the pharaoh’s cult after his death. The hall of the temple had two rows of stone columns carved to resemble bundles of papyrus |
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For tips on visiting Egypt CLICK HERE
For tips on visiting the Middle East CLICK HERE For general travel tips on what to pack and how to plan ahead CLICK HERE For tips on travelling on a budget CLICK HERE |
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Where I Stayed
Grand Pyramids Hotel 53, Studio Misr Road - Mariottia, Giza, Al Jizah, Egypt Phone : +20233881883 / +201148881333 www.grandpyramidshotel.com 
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How to Get There - Fly into Cairo then take a cab to pyramids or hire tour guide at airport.
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