Pyramid of Djoser

ancient Egypt · architecture · pharaohs

Built 4,700 years ago. The Pyramid of Djoser was constructed around 2650 BC during Egypt's Third Dynasty for Pharaoh Djoser. This makes it one of the oldest large buildings made entirely of stone that humans have ever created.

Six steps high. Unlike the smooth, pointed pyramids you might imagine, the Pyramid of Djoser looks like a giant staircase with six stacked rectangular levels. Each level gets smaller as it goes up, creating a stepping pattern.

Built by Imhotep. A brilliant architect and engineer named Imhotep designed this incredible structure. Imhotep was so talented that ancient Egyptians remembered him as one of the greatest builders in history.

Part of a huge complex. The pyramid wasn't built alone. It sat in the center of an enormous courtyard surrounded by temples, chapels, and other ceremonial buildings where people honored the pharaoh.

Massive stone blocks. Workers cut and stacked limestone blocks to build the pyramid, inventing new techniques to handle such enormous stones. This project showed that Egyptians were incredibly skilled at engineering and construction.