Saqqara step pyramid is an archeological remain in the Saqqara necropolis that is located northwest of the city of Memphis in Egypt and was built 4700 years ago. It was built in the 27th century during the third dynasty of the pharaoh Djoser. The evolution of the Saqqara Step Pyramid began with an astonishing monument built for one king and designed by a skilled architect.
Saqqara Step Pyramid - The First Pyramid in Egypt
Saqqara step pyramid was the first Egyptian pyramid to be built, it consists of 6 Mastabas, and it is 60 m high. It is one of the most enigmatic structures built outside of the Giza Plateau. This magnificent tomb was designed and built by Djoser’s great architect Imhotep. It consists of six steps which makes it similar to the ziggurats of the ancient Mesopotamian city-states.
Interesting Facts About the Step Pyramid of Djoser
- Saqqara Step Pyramid is the only pyramid from the old kingdom that 11 of the king’s daughters were buried inside.
- Saqqara step pyramid took about twenty years to be built with about 100,000 free skilled workers.
- It took another 10 years to connect the Pyramid with the Valley temple below.
- It is considered to be an experimental structure in ancient Egypt.
- This pyramid was initially a Mastaba tomb but some expansions happened and its structure evolved six layers built upon each other.
- A lot of people don’t know that there are tunnels beneath the pyramid stretching across a labyrinth of 5.5 kilometers in length.
- Beneath this pyramid at the deep of 28m, there is the burial chamber of the king Djoser. It reveals fragments of the king’s granite sarcophagus.
- Saqqara step pyramid was totally built from limestone.
The Description of Djoser Pyramid
Saqqara step pyramid has four sides. The northern side is the main entrance of the pyramid, there is a room on the north-western side of the pyramid where there is a beautiful limestone statue of King Djoser. This statue was removed to The Egyptian Museum in Cairo. On the southern side of the Pyramid, there is the second entrance that people have to get in to enter the pyramid.
This entrance leads to a colonnade consisting of 40 columns which were built to ensure the safety of the ceiling. There are small rooms in-between these columns where you can find an amazing statue for Djoser as a ruler for Upper and Lower Egypt. Imhotep has built a temple for Djoser so that he can practice his rituals throughout his afterlife. This temple is known as a Hep-Sed temple. There are two buildings behind the temple which are known as the northern and southern houses in which the king is supposed to host his dignitaries who came to attend his rituals.
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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