Step Pyramid of Djoser (Zoser)

Step Pyramid 400
Step Pyramid
Photo by: peifferc, Creative Commons

The Step Pyramid of Djoser (Zoser) is the earliest stone pyramid in Egypt, thus became an important milestone in Ancient Egyptian Architecture that laid the basis for future and more advanced pyramids in Egypt. The Step Pyramid was already an attraction for many centuries. Evidence has shown that travelers and pilgrims have come to see the pyramid from as early as the Middle Kingdom Period (2040 to 1640 BC).

The Step Pyramid of Zoser was built approximately 2649 to 2575 BC, during the 3rd Dynasty and under the rule of the pharaoh Zoser (or Djoser). The building was under the leadership of the pharaoh’s architect Imhotep. Because of Imhotep’s immense influence and contribution over Ancient Egyptian architecture, he was later deified and became god of the architects and doctors. Special permission from the Antiquities Inspectorate is needed to access the pyramid’s interiors. The original entrance in the north side was blocked; instead visitors access the interiors through a newer tunnel in the south side. Travelers must walk a 28-meter passageway to access the pharaoh’s burial chamber, which was heavily plundered by thieves during antiquity. On the northern face, there is a small room called the ‘Serdab’. You cannot go inside the room, although the sloping wall is drilled into two large holes so you can take a good peak of the statue of Zoser inside. The Ancient Egyptians worshipped and made offerings to their deified pharaoh through these two holes.

Imhotep certainly created revolutionary architectural designs for the pharaoh Zoser. Previous pharaohs were buried in rectangular mastabas, whereas Imhotep was able to design a pyramid by stacking six mastabas on top of the other, one mastaba smaller than the previous one. This innovative design would later evolve into the smooth-sided triangular pyramids in Giza and other pyramids in Egypt.

31 responses to “Step Pyramid of Djoser (Zoser)”

  1. suaad says:

    this info helped me a lot when completing my project about Pyramids .
    ITS GREAT

  2. Maryum says:

    This information really helped me while I was completing my project on pyramids

  3. kiki monster says:

    this helped a lot with my project on the step pyramid!!! also i always use this site for my history work.

  4. krazy kace says:

    thanx this helped me with my egypt report a lot luvin the pyramid thang:)

  5. man i luv this stuff almost as much as my dog luvs to play fetch this stuff is the bombdiggidy woa

  6. my ex husand thinx pyramids are dumb so i hit him in the head with a waffle iron the most important thing is my waffle iron still works by the way bad news my husband is ok

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  8. crazy one says:

    I just need how it was built, how long it took to built, and fou interesting facts about the Step Pyramid of King Zoser! Otherwise, thanks very much for this information! It really helped with my project!

  9. Formally says:

    Thanks for the information! 🙂 On my project, I need to know how the Step Pyramid of King Zoser was built, how long it took to build, and four interesting facts that not many people know about the Step Pyramid of King Zoser! This is the best website I have found! I think I found how long it took to build but I wasn’t sure! If anyone knows the answers, PLEASE HELP! I would VERY much apprecicate that! As I do appreciate this helpful website! I will recommend this website to my friends, family, and peers! God bless! Thanks again!
    Love,
    Formally

  10. justin middle schooler says:

    thanks helped alot on my project in middle school im doing my project on step pyrmids ZD

  11. Britney says:

    This kinda helped me find sOme facts about the step pyramid thanks

  12. Britney says:

    This kinda helped me find some facts about the step pyramid thanks.

  13. 1 Zig- Zag says:

    Thanks this helped a lot for my ancient egyptian progect !!!!!!!!!!!!!

  14. Fakrieh says:

    thatv is ccccoooooooooooolllllllll

  15. Fakrieh says:

    awesome my socila studies teacher will love it

  16. ME says:

    awesome info!
    can you include a picture of an Egyptian painting for the design of the Step Pyramid?
    Thanks

  17. Warjam says:

    Egypt’s Landmarks are so mesmerizing. Its so unbelievable that this great structures were made by bare hands.

  18. tanner says:

    thkns helped me alot on my ss project

  19. nikky says:

    thanks this was really helpful for my project. 😉

  20. sarah says:

    i hit my husband then told him to read this

  21. lindsay says:

    this info really helped on my history ruport that i had to do last minut

  22. lindsay says:

    this info really helped on my history ruport that i had to do last minut on the step pyramid. when i red it i had to call my boyfriend and tell him the website so he coul read it

  23. lindsay says:

    this info really helped on my history ruport that i had to do last minut on the step pyramid.

  24. grace ann says:

    funny because i saw this same info on a different website i mean copy and past exact

  25. I’m a sixth grader doing my project at 10:00 at night and its do in 2 days. I didn’t know what write until I foud this place it’s really helped me a lot on my Egypt report. thanks.

  26. this really helped me i have project do in 5 days and i was going crazy until i found this website.

  27. Jamie says:

    man boy am i happy there is a wesite like this i have projct to do in 5 days and i really got alot from this website!

  28. Jamie says:

    i love history when it comes to Egypt!THANX!!!!!!! 🙂

  29. Shelb's fo Shelby says:

    This helped me a lot!! Thanky you so mucccchhhh

  30. aizlynn says:

    can someone tell me how to cite this ?

  31. Joseph says:

    Thanks a lot this really help me with my Social Studies Homework.

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