Step Pyramid of Zoser

Smokey at the Step Pyramid

At the Step Pyramid of Zoser, Saqqara, July 14, 1994
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Preston

The Step Pyramid of Zoser at Saqqara, south of Gîza, is Egypt's first pyramid. Zoser was the most famous ruler of Dynasty III (2700-2625 BC) and inaugurated the "Age of the Pyramids". Standing about 180 feet tall, it appears that the first pyramid was constructed as if building six mastabas on top of each other. Zoser's pyramid, however, was constructed of of limestone rather than the mud brick and wood of the mastabas, a great innovation. Imhotep, the architect, later became the god of medicine.

Another picture of the Step Pyramid