Sakara

Saqqara, located on the west bank of the Nile River just south of Cairo, is one of Egypt’s most important and expansive archaeological sites. Serving as the burial ground for the ancient capital of Memphis, Saqqara has been a vital necropolis for over 5,000 years. It contains hundreds of tombs, pyramids, and monuments that offer a deep insight into the religious beliefs, architectural innovations, and cultural practices of ancient Egypt.

One of the most iconic structures at Saqqara is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Saqqara Pyramid. Built for Pharaoh Djoser during the 27th century BC, it is considered the first pyramid in Egypt and the earliest large-scale stone construction in history. Unlike earlier tombs made from mud bricks, this six-tiered structure introduced the use of stone and a complex design that combined mortuary and ceremonial architecture. Surrounding the pyramid is a vast funerary complex that includes an enclosure wall, temples, and an intricate network of underground tunnels.

At the northern end of the site lies the early dynastic cemetery, home to large mud-brick mastabas that date back to Egypt’s 1st Dynasty. While some tombs contain storage jars with royal names, most are believed to have belonged to high-ranking officials rather than kings. Another significant structure is the Serapeum, an underground burial chamber that housed the mummified bodies of sacred Apis bulls, which were believed to be incarnations of the god Ptah. These animals were buried with great ceremony in massive stone sarcophagi, reflecting their religious importance.

Today, Saqqara continues to be a key site for Egyptologists and archaeologists. Ongoing excavations regularly yield new discoveries, making it a living archive of ancient Egypt’s evolution and one of the most valuable sources for understanding its long and complex history.