Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Joser (photo)

The buildings erected before our era can not but attract the interest of modern humanity. The oldest of the mysterious structures is a step pyramid, the project of which was coined by the architect Imhotep. This miracle was created in the 27th century BC and made a significant contribution to the study of one of the oldest civilizations. What is known about the mysterious construction, which became the tomb of Pharaoh Joser? What are the myths and facts associated with it?

Step Pyramid - what is it?

Historians managed to establish that originally the architect Imhotep intended to erect a traditional rectangular tomb. However, as he worked, this person made changes to his project, the end result of which was a step pyramid consisting of 6 levels. The name of the building came from the form that it acquired.

Why did Imhotep once stop exactly on a stepped form? Researchers believe that his choice is due to secret meaning, which is typical for many examples of ancient architecture. The steps symbolized the ascent to heaven, which after death was to be made by the powerful ruler of Egypt.

Step pyramid is a structure that you can admire not only on the lands of Africa. Excellent preserved belonging to this type of building, located in Central America. Nevertheless, the tomb of Pharaoh Joser became the first and therefore remains unique.

Location

An ancient attraction annually attracts thousands of tourists, who are interested in how to get there. The stepped pyramid, erected by Imhotep, is located in the "heart" of the Sakkar burial complex. In addition to the famous building on the territory of the necropolis, you can find many small temples and tombs. Approximately 30 km from Saqqara is the Egyptian city of El-Giza.

The stepped pyramid of Pharaoh Joser rested comfortably on the edge of the plateau. The place for the majestic design was chosen by its creator not by chance. Researchers are convinced that Imhotep was fascinated by a wonderful view of Memphis. Interestingly, before the erection of this building, the Egyptian tombs of the kings were located only in the village, which was called Abydos.

Getting to Sakkara is most convenient, having enrolled on a tour, if tourists are not confused by the limited time.

What is known about the creators of the pyramids?

The stepped pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser immortalized the Egyptian emperor, nothing special that did not differ during the years of his reign. Forever went into history and the creator of a unique structure - Imhotep. This man was a universal scientist, served as minister of the ruler of Egypt.

Imhotep managed to become the first architect, whose name was carved on the statues of the emperor, he is mentioned in the funerary complex. History did not accurately establish the years of life of this person, nor the place of his burial. After leaving this world, the architect was deified, contemporaries declared him the god of medicine. There are ancient religious buildings named after Imhotep, in olden times they attracted patients who prayed for healing. The statuette depicting the architect is presently present among the exhibits of the Louvre.

Using a stone

The stepped pyramid of Djoser in Sakkara was the first construction of this type in Egypt, the construction of which used a stone. Before the appearance of Imhotep's offspring, all the tombs were built with the use of raw bricks. Most of them disappeared before our era, as the material was not suitable for these purposes.

However, do not blindly trust guides who insist that this is the first large stone construction on the planet. Previously, the French Barnenes was built, according to researchers, its age is more than 6 thousand years.

Stages of construction

Surprisingly, the stepped pyramid in Sakkara was built in 4 stages, which also became a kind of record in the world of Ancient Egypt. Despite the state in which the design is presently in our days, it is easy to track every stage of its construction even now. This is possible due to the different masonry, the configuration of the cameras and tunnels.

The history of the mysterious construction began with the creation of a rectangular tomb. As already mentioned, the material for it was a stone. However, the result did not suit the Egyptian pharaoh. As suggested by the researchers, the problem was the modest size of the structure. The second stage is the increase in the rectangular structure in length and width.

Step pyramid - this is what was the construction in the third stage. She got three additional superstructures, eventually getting four tiers. Pharaoh again remained unhappy, so the tomb was again expanded, adding two upper tiers. Applying a raw brick, the Egyptians could not achieve this. It is not surprising that the use of stone after the construction of the pyramid in Saqqara has become fashionable.

Technical details

The height of the six-step pyramid is about 60 meters. For comparison, the same figure for a building that includes 16 floors, is not more than 43 meters. The base of the building erected by the will of Djosser, once numbered 125 at 115 meters. The destructive impact of nature, which has been subjected to the design for centuries, has reduced its size.

Appointment

Traditionally, the tombs contained only the remains of Egyptian kings. The step pyramid of Djoser, whose photo can be admired in this article, turned out to be revolutionary in this regard. The construction was the last refuge not only for the master himself, but also for his children and wives.

Historians failed to establish the exact number of dynasty representatives whose bones were left inside the pyramid after death. It is only known that there were more than a dozen of them. The mines located on the eastern side are a curious discovery. Their depth is 32 meters, while the depth of the main shaft, which received the body of the emperor, does not exceed 28 meters.

Some researchers are convinced that mysterious mines were prepared for the harem of Joser. If this theory is confirmed, it turns out that the number of "inhabitants" of the burial vault exceeded a hundred. There are also people who claim that the mines represented a place for treasure. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find out, as the raids on the tomb's values were committed back in ancient times.

Underground tunnels

The pyramid of Djoser, created under the leadership of Imhotep, is not a comfortable place for walking. Having got into tunnels, the length of which in aggregate exceeds 5.5 km, there is no way out. For comparison: tunnels of the tomb of Cheops occupy no more than several hundred meters.

What is inside?

Often travelers who manage to see the majestic pyramids from within feel deceived. They do not find either colorful frescoes or mysterious inscriptions. The stepped pyramid of Djoser, inside which it is now very difficult to find himself, will certainly not force his visitors to experience such disappointment.

Tourists will be charmed, having appeared in a funerary chamber, walls which are finished by multi-colored tiles (green, turquoise). The products used in the times of Ancient Egypt are visually similar to the ceramic tiles of our days. Of course, modern materials would hardly survive 4,600 years, while tiles created by ancient people are well preserved.

Enchant and decorating the walls bas-reliefs, which represent the images of Egyptian gods. They have reached our days in a better condition than the tiles, because they are located on the surface of granite blocks. Excavations helped to discover the remains of the sarcophagus belonging to the powerful pharaoh. In addition, inside you can admire the images of a five-pointed star. Egyptians in those days associated this symbol with the abode of the dead.

Also you can admire three bas-relief drawings with portraits of Djoser. The ruler of Egypt was depicted during his participation in religious rites, the head of the pharaoh crowned by the traditional crown.

Information for tourists

Some grief is caused by the state in which is now the stepped pyramid of Djoser. The architect managed to create a reliable structure that survived to the present day, but the weather troubles and the actions of the vandals significantly affected its appearance. Not surprisingly, a government decree prohibits free entry into the landmarks. Currently, reconstruction works are underway, therefore the monument is constantly surrounded by building forests.

Theoretically see what the pyramid of Djoser is from the inside, perhaps. To do this, you will need to obtain permission from the Egyptian Antiquities Service, but it will take a very long time. Visit Saqqara is available daily, you can get to the necropolis from 8 to 16 hours. An exception are those days when the complex is closed to provide conditions for labor of archaeologists. Therefore, before the trip it is worth to clarify whether Sakkara is open for tourists at the moment.

Going to see the child Imhotep own eyes, we must not forget about the weather conditions. Spending a few hours in the sun, not being able to hide inside the building, is very difficult.