Saqqara the 1st Pyramid in history

Step Pyramid of Djoser: Designed by the legendary architect Imhotep during the 27th century BCE, the Step Pyramid is the centerpiece of the Saqqara necropolis. It was built for Pharaoh Djoser, the second king of the Third Dynasty of Egypt. The pyramid originally stood at 62 meters tall and is characterized by its six stepped layers, which symbolize the stairway to the heavens.

Imhotep Museum: Adjacent to the Step Pyramid complex, the Imhotep Museum showcases artifacts related to the construction of the Step Pyramid and the life of Imhotep, who was not only an architect but also a high priest, physician, and scribe. The museum provides valuable insights into ancient Egyptian engineering and architecture.

Mastaba Tombs: Surrounding the Step Pyramid are numerous mastaba tombs, which were the standard form of burial for elites during the Early Dynastic Period and Old Kingdom. These rectangular structures served as tombs for nobles and officials, and many of them are adorned with intricate reliefs and hieroglyphs.

Tomb of Horemheb: Among the notable tombs at Saqqara is the tomb of Horemheb, who served as a general under Pharaoh Tutankhamun and later became pharaoh himself. The tomb features colorful reliefs depicting scenes from Horemheb's life and military campaigns.

Serapeum: A short distance from the Step Pyramid complex is the Serapeum, a series of underground galleries that once housed the sacred Apis bulls. These massive granite sarcophagi were intricately carved and served as the final resting places for the revered bulls, which were believed to be manifestations of the god Ptah.

Visiting Saqqara offers a glimpse into the early stages of pyramid construction in ancient Egypt and provides valuable insights into the evolution of Egyptian funerary practices. The Step Pyramid of Djoser stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians.