Saqqara - Step Pyramid El-Haram el-Mudarrag
The most conspicuous landmark of Saqqara is the Step Pyramid (Arabic El-Haram el-Mudarrag), the tomb of the third Dynasty ruler Djoser or Zoser, which is probably the earliest major stone structure erected in Egypt. The form of the pyramid can be explained as a development of the large mastabas of the first and second Dynasties, the six steps, each smaller than the one below, having been produced by the addition to the original mastaba of successive new layers of masonry, accompanied by the enlargement of the lower stages.
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Detailed examination of the pyramid has made it possible to identify six changes of plan during its construction. The building of the pyramid is ascribed to lmhotep, who according to Manetho (c. 280 B.C.) devised the method of construction with dressed stone. It is remarkable for the complete mastery of the technique shown even at this early stage in its use.
The Step Pyramid stands some 200ft/60m high, with a base measurement of 397ft/121m by 358ft/109m. It is built of locally quarried clay sandstone of poor quality. The entrance to the burial chambers, which are below ground level, is on the north side of the lowest step. The chambers and passages in the interior of the pyramid served partly for the burial of close relatives of the King, in particular those of his sons who died in childhood, and partly for storing grave-goods for the use of the dead. Large numbers of costly vessels for foodstuffs were found in these store rooms. Some of the passages and chambers were due to the work of tomb robbers and to later attempts at restoration. Fragments of the King's mummy were found in the main tomb chamber, 92ft/28m below the base of the pyramid. In another chamber constructed at an earlier date the walls were faced with tiles of bluish green faience imitating plaited reed mats (now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo).
The Step Pyramid stands some 200ft/60m high, with a base measurement of 397ft/121m by 358ft/109m. It is built of locally quarried clay sandstone of poor quality. The entrance to the burial chambers, which are below ground level, is on the north side of the lowest step. The chambers and passages in the interior of the pyramid served partly for the burial of close relatives of the King, in particular those of his sons who died in childhood, and partly for storing grave-goods for the use of the dead. Large numbers of costly vessels for foodstuffs were found in these store rooms. Some of the passages and chambers were due to the work of tomb robbers and to later attempts at restoration. Fragments of the King's mummy were found in the main tomb chamber, 92ft/28m below the base of the pyramid. In another chamber constructed at an earlier date the walls were faced with tiles of bluish green faience imitating plaited reed mats (now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo).
Related Attractions
Enclosure Wall
The enclosure wall round the pyramid precinct, with towers, niches and false doors, originally stood 34ft/10.50m high and was faced with limestone. The southeast section, with the original main entrance, still stands to a considerable height and has been partly reconstructed. The wall enclosed a rectangular area measuring 595yd/544m by 303yd/277m. The entrance leads into a large Colonnade, originally divided into three aisles by 48 pillars arranged in pairs; the pillars, topped by engaged cluster columns, had an original height of over 16ft/5m. At the east end are curious false doors simulating open double doors. At the far (west) end of the colonnade is a small transverse chamber with four pairs of pillars, from which a doorway, also with false doors, leads into the court on the south side of the pyramid.
Great Court
The Great Court is bounded on the east and west sides by finely built stone walls and on the north side by the pyramid. In the middle are the bases of two altars, probably representing the two lands of Upper and Lower Egypt. Under the south side of the pyramid was another altar approached by a small ramp. At the west end of the south enclosure wall is a false tomb of the third Dynasty discovered by Cecil Firth in 1927. Staircases and underground passages lead to antechambers containing large alabaster jars and two chambers faced, like the chamber under the Step Pyramid, with tiles imitating reed mats. In the second chamber are three false doors with magnificent relief figures of Djoser. The chapel on the northwest side of the tomb has a fine cobra frieze (partly restored).
House of the North and House of the South
At the northeast corner of the Step Pyramid are the so called House of the North and House of the South, each with a chapel and an open court. These buildings are interpreted as symbolic palaces referring to Djoser's role as ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. Their facades have fluted engaged pillars and columns with papyrus capitals. To the southeast of the pyramid is a temple, probably erected on the occasion of the King's Sed festival (commemorating the 30th year of his reign). Adjoining the temple are a number of chapels, on the facades of which are colonnettes simulating wooden posts. Staircases lead up to an upper floor. In the court is a stone base approached by steps, probably for the King's throne.
Mortuary Temple
In front of the entrance to the step pyramid are remains of the mortuary temple. In a sealed chamber (serdab) on the east side of the temple, connected with the outside world only by two "peepholes", was found the lifesize statue of Djoser which is now also in the Egyptian Museum, with a copy on the original site. To the north of the pyramid, within the enclosure wall, was found a rock cut altar which had originally been faced with marble.
