What is the funerary complex of Djoser?

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The funerary complex of Djoser (Zoser) is believed to have been built around the beginning of the 3rd Dynasty. It is a walled compound that is constructed from stone rather than the mud brick that was used before this time.

What is the Step Pyramid of Djoser made of?

LimestonePyramid of Djoser / Material

The pyramid was constructed using 11.6 million cubic feet (330,400 cubic meters) of stone and clay. The tunnels beneath the pyramid form a labyrinth about 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) long.

What is stepped pyramid in ancient Egypt?

The Step Pyramid was built during the Third Dynasty as the tomb for Pharaoh Djoser. It was designed by the famous architect, Imhotep, who was later deified. The Step Pyramid stands at a height of 204 feet (62 meters) with six stepped layers. It was the largest building of its time.

Why is the funerary complex of Djoser important?

Djoser’s Step Pyramid in Saqqara is one of Egypt’s most iconic monuments—and rightfully so. It constitutes a significant historical turning point in ancient Egyptian funerary monuments, revolutionizing stone architecture and royal burials.

What is a funerary complex?

The funerary complex includes the step-pyramid (the tomb of the king), tombs of family and high-ranking officials, and structures used during the sed celebration. These building were used for the Sed Festival, an event which celebrated the 30 year rule of a king.

Why is the stepped pyramid of Djoser an important structure?

Djoser’s Step Pyramid complex included several structures pivotal to its function in both life and the afterlife. A pyramid was not simply a grave in ancient Egypt. Its purpose was to facilitate a successful afterlife for the king so that he could be eternally reborn.

Why did King Djoser build the Step Pyramid?

At some point between 2667 and 2648 BC, this step pyramid was constructed for Pharaoh Djoser, setting new standards for the burial rites of the Egyptian ruler. It still stands today, over 4000 years later, making it the oldest remaining stone building in history.

What King constructed the Step Pyramid and what dynasty was he from?

Early Dynastic cemetery lies the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser, second king of the 3rd dynasty (c. 2650–c. 2575 bce). Djoser’s architect Imhotep designed a new form of burial structure for the king in the shape of a pyramid in six stages.

When was the meidum pyramid built?

The Meidum Pyramid, Egypt, built for and during the reign of the first king of the 4th Dynasty, Sneferu (c. 2613-2589 BCE). It is the earliest Egyptian ‘true’ pyramid.

What is funerary structure?

Definition. Funerary architecture (FA) refers to architectonically designed structures built above the contemporary ground level for the purpose of burial, as opposed to underground hypogea, which have rooms for the cult of the dead and hero cult. Columbaria can combine both types.

Are pyramids funerary monuments?

The capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt has some extraordinary funerary monuments, including rock tombs, ornate mastabas, temples and pyramids. In ancient times, the site was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

What did King Djoser do?

Djoser, also spelled Zoser, second king of the 3rd dynasty (c. 2650–c. 2575 bce) of ancient Egypt, who undertook the construction of the earliest important stone building in Egypt. His reign, which probably lasted 19 years, was marked by great technological innovation in the use of stone architecture.

Who was the excavator of the step pyramid?

The main excavator of the Step Pyramid was Jean-Philippe Lauer, a French architect who reconstructed key portions of the complex. The complex covers 15ha and is about 2.5 times as large as the Old Kingdom town of Heirakonpolis.

Where is the step pyramid of Djoser?

Pyramid of Djoser. Djoser’s step pyramid at Saqqara. Location within Egypt. The Pyramid of Djoser (or Djeser and Zoser), or Step Pyramid (kbhw-ntrw in Egyptian) is an archeological remain in the Saqqara necropolis, Egypt, northwest of the city of Memphis.

What was the function of the step pyramid in the afterlife?

How old is the step pyramid in Egypt?

The sheer age of the Step Pyramid is astounding. It was built in the early Third Dynasty, during the reign of King Netjerykhet ( c. 2667–2648 BC), who is now more well-known as Djoser. Before his reign, royal and elite Egyptians were buried in mastabas.