The earliest colossal stone building in Egypt

Deep in the desert of Egypt, a pyramid rises from the sands. The Pyramid of Djoser, sometimes called the Step Pyramid of Djoser, is an archaeological site in the Saqqara necropolis. It was the first Egyptian pyramid to be built and is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt.

Djoser was a pharaoh of Egypt's third dynasty. He is believed to have reigned for 19 years or, if the 19 years were biennial taxation years, 38 years. His legacy is the Pyramid of Djoser, a monument that stands as the first monumental structure made of stone and the first Egyptian pyramid ever built.

The structure is a six-tier, four-sided step pyramid rising from the Saqqara plateau to a height of between 60 m and 62.5 m. It is the central feature of a vast mortuary complex in an enormous courtyard surrounded by ceremonial structures and decoration. The pyramid went through several revisions and redevelopments of the original plan during its construction.

The complex also includes a massive enclosure wall, another marvel of design. The Egyptians hand-carved 1,680 nine-metre-tall niches out of the limestone. In earlier projects, this element was built with wooden planks, ropes, and poles hung with reed mats, but here it was carved directly into the stone, marking the first instance of the mass use of limestone in construction.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser is a cornerstone of ancient Egyptian history and architecture. It sets the stage for later pyramids of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Dynasties, including the great pyramids of Giza. It was built in the 27th century BC and remains a landmark achievement for Egyptian architecture.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons