Saqqara
Location
Approx 30 miles south of Cairo, Egypt
|
|
|
View Photo Gallery |
Index of Ancient Sites |
Description -
As well as the famous step-pyramid of Djoser (Zoser), the Saqqara complex includes numerous other funerary structures that date back from the first dynasty. Saqqara represents the first complete model of the typical pyramid complex including enclosure walls and a causeway.Alignments - The corners of the pyramids of Djoser, Userkaf, and Unas align to Heliopolis - As do those of Giza and Abusir. (Click here for more on this subject).
Djoser's (Zoser) Step-pyramid - The step pyramid is believed to have been initiated by the third dynasty pharaoh Djoser and designed by his vizier Imhotep. It is considered by Egyptologists to be the Oldest Pyramid in the world.
The Step-pyramid is believed to have evolved from an original 'Mastaba' form which was later built upon and extended several times until it attained its present shape. It was built from local limestone and cased in the better quality Tura limestone. (1)
Djoser's
step-pyramid was built with mud-fired bricks, then surrounded by a recessed outer wall that surrounded the whole complex.
The 'stepped' theme is seen in a first dynasty tomb (left), from Saqqara - note the similar buttress walls, and is repeated in the shape of the internal corbelled roofs of the fourth dynasty (right). An excellent example of negative space...
The first Causeway in the world.
The causeway is believed to have been originally covered along its whole length.
(The ceiling was originally completely covered with painted stars.)
Evidence of serpent worship at Saqqara.
Bull Worship at Saqqara - (The facade of tomb 3504)...
Bull worship at
at Chatal Huyak, Turkey.(Note - Th
ere is an obvious similarity between the relief at Saqqara and Chatal Huyuk).
The mastabas at Saqqara display some interesting features. Three of the tombs had an associated mud-brick boat burial on their north side and some of the mastabas also had raised platforms which ran around them. The heads were modelled out of mud but the horns were real, and it has been estimated that a tomb might have been surrounded by up to three hundred of them. Throughout Egyptian history the bull was closely associated with kinship. The pharaoh was referred to as 'Mighty Bull' (1).
References:
1) Lucia Gahlin.
Egypt: Gods, Myths and Religion. 2001. Anness Publ.