The Magnificent Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara

The Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza is arguably the most famous of all pyramids in Egypt, or in the world for that matter. Yet, this was not the first pyramid that was built by the ancient Egyptians. An earlier Egyptian pyramid was built 4,600 years ago in Saqqara for a 3^rd Dynasty pharaoh Netjerikhet, commonly known as Djoser. The person responsible for the design and construction of the pyramid was none other than Imhotep, who served as Djoser’s chancellor. The most noticeable difference between Djoser’s pyramid and that of Khufu is the shape of each structure. Unlike the Great Pyramid, Djoser’s pyramid consisted of six steps, similar to the ziggurats of the ancient Mesopotamian city states, and thus was commonly known as the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. 

Wall at the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. Source: BigStockPhoto