Djoser’s Pyramid
The unique shape of Djoser’s pyramid may be explained by looking at the building structures that were in use prior to the construction of pyramids in ancient Egypt. During Egypt’s Early Dynastic Period and Old Kingdom, rectangular structures with a flat roof and outward sloping sides were used to mark the tombs of the elite members of society. These structures, made of mud-brick or stone, were known as mastabas (meaning ‘bench of mud’ in Arabic). Perhaps intending to outdo his predecessors, Djoser decided to stack six mastabas, each of a decreasing size, on top of each other, thus producing the Step Pyramid. Perhaps the construction of the Step Pyramid was a reflection of the evolution of the understanding of Egyptian kingship, as the structure could also be interpreted as a means to facilitate the king’s ascension into the divine realm after his death. Regardless of the reason for this innovation, the Step Pyramid …show more content…
Djoser’s mortuary temple can also be found on this side of the pyramid. This temple served as the cult centre for Djoser’s divine ka. It was in this temple that the daily rituals for the dead could be performed, and offerings could be presented to the pharaoh in the afterlife. It may also be pointed out that the mortuary temple faced north as it was believed that the pharaoh would become one of the eternal stars in his afterlife.
Pyramids of Giza, Arabic Ahrāmāt Al-Jīzah, Giza also spelled Gizeh, three 4th-dynasty (c. 2575–c. 2465 BCE) pyramids erected on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River near Al-Jīzah (Giza) in northern Egypt. In ancient times they were included among the Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient ruins of the Memphis area, including the Pyramids of Giza, Ṣaqqārah, Dahshūr, Abū Ruwaysh, and Abū Ṣīr, were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in
The unique shape of Djoser’s pyramid may be explained by looking at the building structures that were in use prior to the construction of pyramids in ancient Egypt. During Egypt’s Early Dynastic Period and Old Kingdom, rectangular structures with a flat roof and outward sloping sides were used to mark the tombs of the elite members of society. These structures, made of mud-brick or stone, were known as mastabas (meaning ‘bench of mud’ in Arabic). Perhaps intending to outdo his predecessors, Djoser decided to stack six mastabas, each of a decreasing size, on top of each other, thus producing the Step Pyramid. Perhaps the construction of the Step Pyramid was a reflection of the evolution of the understanding of Egyptian kingship, as the structure could also be interpreted as a means to facilitate the king’s ascension into the divine realm after his death. Regardless of the reason for this innovation, the Step Pyramid …show more content…
Djoser’s mortuary temple can also be found on this side of the pyramid. This temple served as the cult centre for Djoser’s divine ka. It was in this temple that the daily rituals for the dead could be performed, and offerings could be presented to the pharaoh in the afterlife. It may also be pointed out that the mortuary temple faced north as it was believed that the pharaoh would become one of the eternal stars in his afterlife.
Pyramids of Giza, Arabic Ahrāmāt Al-Jīzah, Giza also spelled Gizeh, three 4th-dynasty (c. 2575–c. 2465 BCE) pyramids erected on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River near Al-Jīzah (Giza) in northern Egypt. In ancient times they were included among the Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient ruins of the Memphis area, including the Pyramids of Giza, Ṣaqqārah, Dahshūr, Abū Ruwaysh, and Abū Ṣīr, were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in