Djoser

Djoser was the second pharaoh of the Old Kingdom and the Second Dynasty. He is famous for his Step Pyramid, and the enclosure surrounding it.

Not only is the Step Pyramid the first of all the pyramids, it and the buildings around it are the first large scale stone architecture in history.

The carvings in the enclosure represent features of the king's palace, which was made of wood, but now in stone. The carvings are beautiful, and it is amazing that so much was achieved in one go.

The pyramid began as a tomb building with a flat top. For some reason the architect Imhotep added more layers, each getting smaller so the end result was a pyramid with big 'steps'. One idea is that it represents steps leading the dead king to the sky, to be with the sun god Ra.

Under the pyramid is a series of rooms and corridors, representing the palace again, for the dead king's soul to live in.

Djoser's name means 'sacred'. His throne name was Netjerikhet, which means Divine of the Body.

Next to the pyramid is a stone box inside of which a statue of Djoser was found (see below).

Step Pyramid

Stone pavilions