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- Egypt
- Egypt Travel Guide
- Egypt Pyramids
- Djoser Step Pyramid at Saqqara
Djoser Step Pyramid at Saqqara

What is a step Pyramid in ancient Egypt?
The Step Pyramid was built in ancient Egypt, precisely during the Third Dynasty, as a tomb for Pharaoh Djoser.
Djoser’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara is one of the most important archeological sites in all of Egypt. While it may not be as impressive or as famous as the Giza Pyramids, this structure predates them and it is vital to archeologists’ understanding of the development of pyramid construction.
The Step Pyramid was built in the 27th century BC during the 3rd dynasty rule of Djoser. It is the first pyramid built in Egypt and while it is not a ‘true pyramid’ with smooth sides, like those at Giza and Dahshur, it remains an important stepping stone in their development. It is also the first large-scale cut-stone structure in the world.
The structure consists of the six distinct layers, or steps, of diminishing size built on top of one another. Archeologists understand this to be an embellishment of earlier an earlier practice where pharaohs were buried under a mastaba, a flat rectangular structure somewhat like a large grave covering.
Djoser’s builders decided to stack several of these structures to create a more imposing monument to the pharaoh, creating the structure we see today that stands 203 feet tall. In doing so, they took the first step toward the creation of the pyramids that have made Ancient Egypt famous throughout the ages.
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Plan Your TripِAncient Egyptian History
- The Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt
- Alexander the Great | Egypt History
- Queen Hatshepsut | Luxor | Egypt
- Tutankhamoun King | Ancient Egypt Kingdom
- Salah Al-Din Al-Ayyubi
- King Ramses II: Facts, Accomplishments, Life and Death
- Sultan Mohammad Ali
- Amr Ibn Al-Aas
- The Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt
- The New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt
- Greco-Roman Period
- Early Islamic Period in Egypt
- Mamluk and Ottoman Period
- Egypt in the Modern Era
- Behind the Throne: Exploring the Life and Reign of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt
Cairo Attractions
- Al Aqmar Mosque | Cairo | Egypt
- Sultan Al Mansur Qalawun Mosque | Cairo
- Al Azhar Mosque | Cairo | Egypt
- Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque | Old Cairo
- Mu’ayyad Mosque and Bab Zuweila
- Museum of Islamic Art | Cairo
- Sultan Hassan Mosque & Madrasa | Islamic Cairo
- Ibn Tulun Mosque and Gayer Anderson Museum
- Bayt Al Suhaymi in Cairo | Al Suhaymi House
- Cairo Opera House
- The Coptic Museum in Cairo
- The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
- El Ghorya | Attractions in Cairo Egypt
- Ben Ezra Synagogue | Coptic Cairo
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar
- Old Cairo and Coptic Cairo
- Salah El Din Citadel in Cairo | Egypt
- The Hanging Church | Coptic Cairo
- Al-Muizz Al-Deen Allah Street
- Downtown Cairo
- Zamalek / Gezira
- Islamic Cairo
- Souk Al Khayamiya | Tentmakers Bazaar
Alexandria Attractions
- Alexandria Travel Guide | Egypt
- Marsa Alam Information
- Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria | Fort Qaitbay Egypt
- Pompey's Pillar (Column) in Alexandria | Egypt
- Al Alamein | Mediterranean Sea Egypt
- Alexandria Library Egypt | Bibliotheca Alexandria
- Experience the Heart of the Mediterranean: Your Guide to the Best Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt
- The Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa | Alexandria
- Greco-Roman Museum
- Lighthouse of Alexandria
- Montazah Park Alexandria | Egypt
Luxor Attractions
Aswan Attractions
Nile Valley
Red Sea and Sinai
Ports of Call
Lake Nasser
Egyptian Culture and Travel Info
Do it all in one trip. Start in Cairo, then travel by flight to Aswan and embark on your Nile Cruise and explore the majestic attractions of Egypt between Aswan and Luxor. End your tour with a relaxing time on Hurghada beaches.
Enjoy a great visit to Dahshur and the Step Pyramid at Sakkara. This is a journey to see the progress of ancient Egyptian building techniques across different ancient ages.
Enjoy this Cairo City Break for 5 days in Cairo Egypt, a fantastic weekend holiday to Cairo ancient and modern sites like the great Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
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