What are the architectural and artistic features, construction

practices, functions, and symbolic meanings of Zoser’s pyramid

complex at Saqqara?

This essay will unfold the architectural and artistic features,

construction practices, functions, and symbolic meanings of Zoser’s
pyramid in the magnificent complex at Saqqara. Furthermore, it will
introduce the beginning and foundation of the limestone as a main
material used in the building of pyramids. Information about the
architect and designer of the pyramid Imhotep, will be thoroughly
discussed, for he is the great mind behind the Zoser’s legacy. The
meaning of structures, designs, layering stages, positioning, and
symbolism of colour will be brought to the foundation of their
meaning and purpose throughout the essay. And how one pyramid can
be remembered with the beginning of an entirely new style in
structure and the end of one of the greatest kings of Egypt.

Zoser’s pyramid complex at Saqqara is known to be the oldest dates

to c.a 2670 BCE built by Imhotep who introduces limestone as a
material instead of mudbrick1. The complex is surrounded by niches
and buttresses creating a play of light as well as making it look more
aesthetic. Getting inside the complex the pyramid Imhotep carefully
designs and created in the span of almost two centuries is based on

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layering 6 mastabas2 on top of each other creating a ‘’cake’’ shaped
pyramid3. Furthermore, the function of the mastaba was to put all
goods for the afterlife in it and bury the person below where he can be
reached only through a shaft. Moreover, the importance of Djoser can
be seen in the 6 mastabas stacked together with the burial chamber
underneath4. While an average person had one Djoser had plenty of
room filled with frescos and goods for the afterlife.

Fig. 1
Jamieson, 2023, Lecture 5

Fig. 2
Jamieson, 2023, Lecter 5

Imhotep’s approach to building the pyramid was unlike any other, he

2
Low rectangular brick burial chambers see fig. 1
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4
See fig. 2
divides it into 5 main stages5 of which he first builds the foundation
mastaba then adds to the sides and continues by adding the rest of the
mastabas above. Building a generational masterpiece in the history of
the Egyptian pyramids. By presenting a method never used before and
a material more sustainable than any other6. The pyramid was built to
last for eternity, prevent any looters to get in, and most importantly
provide the king with a safe journey to the afterlife. Therefore,
Imhotep made use of limestone, which is considered pure by nature
material, so he used it in the construction of Djoser’s complex7.

Fig. 3
Jamieson, 2023, Lecture 5

5
See fig. 3
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Jamieson 2023
7
See fig. 4
 Fig. 4
Jamieson, 2023, Lecture 5

Imhotep’s gracious masterpiece stood 62 meters high8 because such a

monumental substructure had to be seen from as far as possible as
well as a sign to a successful afterlife. Everyone had to know who
Djoser was and how unique of an architect Imhotep was.

Although, its magnificence and beauty hides from the inside where a
28 meter deep burial shaft leads to the king’s chamber and 3 decorated
galleries9.

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9
Jamieson 2023, can be seen in fig. 2
Bibliography

Jamieson, A. 2023 ‘’Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Lecture Five:

Inventing The Egyptian State Zoser’s First True Pyramid.’’ 14 March,
The University of Melbourne.