Saqqara: The Ancient Necropolis
Location
Nestled amidst the vast Nile Delta, Saqqara, the burial ground of Memphis, boasts an unrivaled legacy. From the Archaic Tombs in the north to the southernmost Dahshur, Saqqara's sacred landscape unfolds across 3.5 square miles.
The earliest burials in Saqqara date back to the First Dynasty, when noble souls found their eternal resting place on the complex's northern slopes. In the Second Dynasty, Khasekhemwy's innovative Gisr el-Mudir monument inspired the iconic enclosures surrounding the Step Pyramid.
Old Kingdom Monuments
The Fourth Dynasty saw a shift in royal burial practices, yet the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties witnessed a resurgence in Saqqara's importance. Pyramids and complexes of varying preservation rose majestically alongside vast clusters of noble tombs. Hurghada Day Tours
With Memphis no longer the capital, Saqqara's burial significance waned during the Middle Kingdom. However, in the New Kingdom, it regained prominence as the administrative and military center. Monuments from this era include high-ranking officials' tombs. Sharm EL Sheikh Tours
After the New Kingdom
Saqqara continued to be revered as a burial ground in Roman times. Remains from this period include the Philosophers Circle, Coptic monasteries, and the Serapeum, where sacred Apis bulls were interred.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser
The Step Pyramid, the symbol of Saqqara, stands as a testament to Djoser's reign. Devised by the brilliant Imhotep, this innovative structure inaugurated the era of stone-built monuments. Its complex of chapels, courtyards, and enclosures reflects the grandeur of its time.
Interesting Facts
- Saqqara houses the oldest Egyptian pyramid: the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
- Burials continued at Saqqara into Roman times.
- The Abwab el-Qotat contains hundreds of mummified cats.
- Saqqara is renowned for its well-preserved Old Kingdom tomb drawings.
- Imhotep, the Step Pyramid's architect, was later revered as a god.
September 5th, 2024