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The
first pyramid – probably the first large stone structure in human
history – was built for the pharaoh Djoser at Saqqara around 2680 B.C.
It was designed by the architect Imhotep, who became more famous than the
pharaoh he worked for. The Step Pyramid is really a series of six
rectangular structures set one on top of the other. Beneath it, cut deep
into the underground rock, lie the burial chambers of Djoser and five
members of his family. The king’s vault was built of pink granite and
sealed with a three-tonne plug. But it was robbed long ago – only a
mummified foot was found inside.
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pharaohs who followed King Djoser also built step pyramids. The familiar
smooth pyramid shape was not developed until the reign of King Sneferu. In
his 24 years as pharaoh (2575-2551 B.C.), he won wars in Libya and Nubia
and built many new temples, fortresses, and palaces. Sneferu also built at
least three – maybe even four – pyramids. His first, at Meidum, shows
how building in stone had advanced by that time. The construction of the
core and outer casing is similar to Djoser’s Step Pyramid. But the
builders had made great advances in handling large blocks of stone. The
main structure is made of huge slabs, not many small blocks. They had also
worked out a new way of roofing the burial chamber so it held the weight
of the pyramid above and improved methods of sealing the entrance against
robbers. All these features were used by Sneferu’s son, Khufu, who built
the biggest pyramid of all, the Great Pyramid of Giza. But in total tonnes
of stone, Sneferu’s four pyramids were an even bigger building project. |
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