King Djoser complex is located at Saqqara, the main necropolis of ancient Memphis. Saqqara site is still one of the most unexplored archaeological sites, despite the amazing finds that have already been discovered. Among these attractions, there is the Complex of king Djoser.
This complex dates back to the 3rd dynasty, the old kingdom. The vizier, Imhotep, put the design of this complex to be the first complete stone building complex in the ancient Egyptian civilization.
This complex consists of:
The step pyramid: It was built for saving the corpse of King Djoser, one of the greatest kings of the 3rd dynasty (2721-2780 BC). It was designed by the great engineer Imhotep. It is called the step pyramid because it was built with 6 terraces getting gradually smaller in size as we go up with a height of 60m.
Finally, you can discover the step pyramid from inside, as after 14 years of restoration, the step pyramid opens its doors to the public for exploring the burial chamber from inside.
We will enter the step pyramid from the southern entrance. This entrance is not the main one but it was established in the 26th dynasty to discover what is inside this pyramid. While the main entrance built during the King Djoser period is the northern one. The southern entrance leads to tunnels taking approx. 28 meters, where you will be allowed to see the burial chamber of King Djoser from the top and his sarcophagus. Also, you will be able to go down to see the sarcophagus closely.
Entrance of the complex: The entrance leads to a Colonnade consisting of 40 columns. Between these columns, there are several niches. It is thought that these niches containing statues of the king or statues of the goddesses of Upper and Lower Egypt, and this hall of columns leads to an open courtyard.
The open courtyard: This open courtyard was used by the king to perform Heb-Sed festival rituals. Heb-Sed festival aimed to ensure that the kings of ancient Egypt still were able to rule Egypt.
To the right of this courtyard, there is the Temple of Heb-Sed. Behind the temple, there are two buildings, called the northern and southern houses.
The burial tomb of King Djoser: It is located on the southern side of the pyramid and its depth is 28 meters. It is believed that this tomb was used as a symbolic tomb for the king, as kings used to build two tombs. The wall of the tomb is decorated with a Cornish of cobra snakes for protection.
On the northwest side, there is a small room with a statue of King Djoser made of limestone. Now, the original statue is displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir square and replaced with a replica.
you can visit King Djoser complex with Cairo Attractions in 5 Days
