Summary of Reign of King Djoser
Uncover the mysteries of Egypt's legendary Pharaoh, King Djoser.
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Reign of King Djoser in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Imhotep
Hemet Nesut
Horus Netjerikhet
Hekanakhte
The Early Life of King Djoser
The Construction of the Step Pyramid
Religious Reforms and Cult of the Pharaoh
Military Campaigns and Expansion
Architectural Innovations and Building Projects
The Heb Sed Festival
Legacy and Impact on Egyptian History
Death and Succession
Historical Significance of King Djoser
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: The reign of King Djoser
- When: Around 27th century BC
- Who: King Djoser, Imhotep (architect of the Step Pyramid), Ancient Egyptians
- Outcome: Construction of the first pyramid in Egypt, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara
Famous Figures in the Reign of King Djoser
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Imhotep
Imhotep was a polymath in ancient Egypt, serving as an architect, physician, and high priest during the reign of King Djoser. He is often credited with designing the Step Pyramid at Saqqara.
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Hemiunu
Hemiunu was an ancient Egyptian architect and vizier during the reign of King Khufu, who was Djoser's successor. He is believed to have been the mastermind behind the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
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Narmer
Narmer is often considered to be the first pharaoh of a unified Egypt, ruling during the Early Dynastic Period. His reign marked the beginning of the Old Kingdom, which included the reign of Djoser.
Timeline of Reign of King Djoser
Djoser becomes the second pharaoh of the Third Dynasty of Egypt
Construction of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara begins
Imhotep, the architect of the Step Pyramid, is born
Completion of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara
Expansion of the complex at Saqqara with the construction of the Southern Tomb
Mining expeditions to the Sinai Peninsula for turquoise and copper
Construction of the enclosure wall around the Step Pyramid complex
Establishment of a centralized government with Djoser as the supreme ruler
Building of the Heb Sed court for Djoser's jubilee celebrations
Expansion of the complex at Saqqara with the construction of the Heb Sed court and the T-shaped temple
Trade expeditions to Punt for myrrh, ebony, and spices
Construction of the underground galleries beneath the Step Pyramid
Death of Djoser and his burial in the Step Pyramid complex
Succession of Djoser by his son Sekhemkhet
Construction of the unfinished Step Pyramid at Saqqara by Sekhemkhet
Death of Sekhemkhet and the end of his reign
Succession of Sekhemkhet by his brother Khaba
Construction of the Layer Pyramid at Zawyet el'Aryan by Khaba
Death of Khaba and the end of the Third Dynasty
Beginning of the Fourth Dynasty with the reign of Sneferu
Vocabulary List
- Djoser
- King Djoser, also known as Netjerikhet, was a pharaoh of the Third Dynasty of Egypt.
- Step Pyramid
- The Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara is the earliest large-scale cut stone construction in Egypt.
- Imhotep
- Imhotep was the architect and high priest who designed the Step Pyramid for King Djoser.
- Saqqara
- Saqqara is a vast burial ground in Egypt where the Step Pyramid of Djoser is located.
- Old Kingdom
- The reign of King Djoser marked the beginning of the Old Kingdom period in ancient Egyptian history.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- King Djoser was the third king of the Third Dynasty of Egypt.
- He ruled Egypt for 19 years, from around 2686 to 2648 BC.
- Djoser is best known for commissioning the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which is considered the first pyramid in Egypt.
- The Step Pyramid was designed by the architect Imhotep, who was also the high priest of the sun god Ra.
- The Step Pyramid stands at around 204 feet tall and is made of six stacked mastabas, or flat-roofed rectangular structures.
- Djoser's pyramid complex also included temples, courtyards, and an underground tomb.
- The Step Pyramid was originally clad in white Tura limestone, making it shine brightly in the sun.
- Djoser was known for his military campaigns against Nubia and Libya, expanding Egypt's territory.
- He also established trade routes with neighboring regions, bringing wealth and resources to Egypt.
- Djoser's reign marked the beginning of the Old Kingdom period in Egypt, known for its pyramid building and centralized government.
- He was succeeded by his son Sekhemkhet, who attempted to build a larger pyramid but died before it was completed.
- The Step Pyramid complex was a center for religious ceremonies and offerings to the pharaoh's spirit after death.
- Djoser's reign saw advancements in architecture, engineering, and administrative practices in ancient Egypt.
- He was worshipped as a god after his death, with temples dedicated to his cult throughout Egypt.
- The Step Pyramid complex also included a serdab, a hidden chamber containing a statue of Djoser to ensure his eternal presence.
- Djoser's reign saw the development of the first known system of writing in Egypt, known as hieroglyphics.
- He was buried in a tomb beneath the Step Pyramid, surrounded by treasures and offerings for the afterlife.
- Djoser's pyramid complex was part of a larger royal necropolis at Saqqara, where many other pharaohs were also buried.
- The Step Pyramid was originally built as a mastaba tomb but was expanded into a pyramid shape during construction.
- Djoser's reign is considered a golden age in Egyptian history, known for its prosperity and cultural achievements.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The reign of King Djoser marked a significant shift in Egyptian architecture with the construction of the Step Pyramid, the first pyramid in Egypt. This innovation in building techniques and design set the stage for future pyramid constructions and solidified Djoser’s legacy as a pioneering ruler.
Long-Term Impact
The Step Pyramid and Djoser’s reign laid the foundation for the development of the pyramid complex as a royal burial site in ancient Egypt. This architectural feat influenced the building of subsequent pyramids, shaping the landscape of Egyptian civilization for centuries to come.
Cultural Significance Today
The Step Pyramid of Djoser continues to be a symbol of ancient Egyptian ingenuity and power, attracting tourists and historians from around the world. Its enduring presence in the desert sands serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians, inspiring awe and admiration in modern society.
Reign of King Djoser Games
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