The Step Pyramid of Djoser is located at Saqqara, just south of Memphis. It started as a mastaba and was expanded six different times to six levels. A mastaba is a type of Ancient Egyptian tomb in the form of a flat-roofed, rectangular structure with outward sloping sides that marked the burial site of many eminent Egyptians of Egypt's ancient period.
This pyramid 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 between 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.
