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Pyramid of Djoser

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The Pyramid of Djoser, or step pyramid (kbhw-ntrw in Egyptian), was built for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by his vizier Imhotep. It was constructed during the 27th century BC at the Saqqara necropolis to the northwest of the city of Memphis, and 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 109m x 125m 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 is 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 was not 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 is 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 m 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.

External links

References

  • Verner, Miroslav, The Pyramids - Their Archaeology and History, Atlantic Books, 2001, ISBN 1-84354-171-8
  • Kliener, Fred S., Art Through The Ages, Wadsworth, 2005, ISBN 0-15-505090-7



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