Everything about Pyramid Of Djoser totally explained
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The
Pyramid of Djoser, or
step pyramid (
kbhw-ntrw in
Egyptian) is an archeological remain in the
Saqqara necropolis,
Egypt, northwest of the city of
Memphis. . It was built for the burial of
Pharaoh Djoser by his
vizier Imhotep, during the
27th century BC. It is the central feature of a vast mortuary complex in an enormous courtyard surrounded by ceremonial structures and decoration.
This first
Egyptian pyramid consisted of six
mastabas (of decreasing size) built atop one another in what were clearly revisions and developments of the original plan. The pyramid originally stood
62 meters tall, and having a base of 109 x 125 m and was clad in polished white limestone. The
step pyramid (or proto-pyramid) is considered to be the earliest large-scale stone construction, although the nearby enclosure known as
Gisr el-mudir would seem to predate the complex.
Pyramid complex
Much of the decoration and construction of the structures within the pyramid complex, although built of stone, echo the appearance of earlier structures, which would have been built of wood, reeds or mud-brick. Whether this is due to artistic, symbolic or technological convention is unknown, although it's likely a combination of all three.
The complex surrounding the
Step Pyramid consists of an outer wall,10.5 metres (34 feet) high, built of finely cut limestone (some of which has been restored by
Jean-Philippe Lauer), wrapping this, was a 'great trench', which wasn't continuous, but spiraled around overlapping at the south end. The wall was built to resemble woven mats, and decorated with niches. There are 15 doorways, only one of which is actually a real entrance. This massive enclosure seems to echo the massive mud-brick 'forts' of the
First and
Second dynasties at
Abydos and
Hierokonpolis.
The 'real' entrance consists of a colonnaded corridor which had a roof carved to imitate wooden logs. The actual entrance way is marked by 2 massive stone 'doors', carved in an open position.
Southern Tomb
The
Southern Tomb is a near-duplicate of the underground structures under the pyramid, but without the above ground structures.
Great Court
Between the Southern Tomb and the Step Pyramid there's a large open area. Its true significance is unknown but it would seem to be have been associated with the ceremonies of kingship and may echo a similar area (still undiscovered) in the Royal residence in Memphis, in which the king would perform the same ceremonies.
The court is about 180 by 100 m, and contained very few buildings or monuments.
Pyramid
The pyramid was developed in stages, beginning as a mastaba similar to the mud brick tombs of earlier pharoahs. This was extended twice before being covered by a four stepped pyramid, which was later enlarged to the final six stepped form.
Festival complex
This courtyard area was built for celebrating the
sed festival, when after thirty years of rule the pharaoh was expected to prove his continuing vigour by chasing the sacred bull around the courtyard and catching it by the tail. It is believed that Djoser chose to do this every three years rather than thirty. The corners of the buildings were made rounded for safety.
Mortuary temple
The only entrance to the complex was through the mortuary temple in the south eastern corner. From an antichamber one passes between stone block walls built in the shape of large open doors into the hypostyle hall with two rows of tapered stone columns carved to resemble papyrus bundles. A modern roof has been placed at the same height as the original roof. This hall leads into the great court.
Further Information
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