Founder of the Old Kingdom
Djoser, one of the early Pharaohs, (known by various names) probably founded the 3rd dynasty around 2680 BCE, give or take a few decades. There’s some debate whether he was preceded as 1st Pharaoh of this dynasty. But importantly, at this time period the Upper and Lower lands of Egypt united into a single kingdom. We now refer to it as the beginning of the Old Kingdom.
A “First Step” Pyramid
He ordered the construction of the earliest pyramid, the step pyramid. Built outside the capital city of Memphis, the cemetery complex of Djoser forms just one of the many tombs, pyramids, and other features of the Saqqara necropolis. From the lessons of building the step pyramid, later Egyptian rulers drew inspiration for the other pyramids, unstepped versions.
Pharaoh Djoser’s Tomb—Empty
The priests buried Djoser in the step pyramid, but nonetheless, Pharaoh Djoser’s tomb lies in the same complex with a massive empty sarcophagus. Maybe the pyramid idea came second after the tomb’s construction. Or perhaps they interred parts of his body in the tomb that the mummification process had separated out, such as his heart. I’m too much of an amateur on the subject of Egypt, and Egyptian burials are such a huge topic, so I won’t even attempt to offer an informed theory. But Djoser apparently had the burial thing covered in full.
Sprucing Up Pharaoh Djoser’s tomb
However, whatever the purpose for Pharaoh Djoser’s tomb, tourists can now take a close look. As part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to entice tourism back, they’ve restored the labyrinth of underground corridors that form the empty tomb. Beautiful aqua colored tiles and carved inscriptions adorn the walls. They’ve reinforced the walls and added lighting, as well as restoring the many decorative elements of the tomb.
Here’s to a post-covid world where traveling to Egypt doesn’t seem way too dangerous to me. I was in the early stages of planning a trip before the pandemic turned us all upside down.
The article in the Archaeology News Network, “Egypt Opens Ancient Tomb of King Djoser After Restoration” has some excellent photos, both of the outside of the site and up close of the tiles and inscriptions.
Here for a post about 3D presentation of the Saqarra necropolis, pyramids and all.