What is the oldest pyramid in the world?

What is the oldest pyramid in the world?

Table of Contents  

• Quick Summary 

• When was the oldest pyramid built? 

• Who made the first pyramid in the world?

• Where was the Pyramid of Djoser built? 

• What makes the pyramid of Djoser different from other pyramids? 

• What is the world’s first true pyramid?

• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

  • How to reach Djoser’s Pyramid? 

  • Are the pyramids in Egypt or Mexico older?

  • Which pyramids are older, Mayan or Egyptian?

  • Are the Mexican pyramids older than the Egyptian pyramids?

  • Which country has older pyramids than Egypt?

Quick Summary 

Egypt, well known as the land of pyramids, pharaohs, and great rulers, is also home to the oldest pyramid in the world. In Saqqara, Egypt, the step pyramid of Djoser is known as the oldest pyramid in the world; it is finely carved and now preserved by tourism authorities. Tourists can visit the pyramid while on their Egypt tour; detailed inscriptions about their history and importance are presented there to help travellers understand about the cultural heritage of pyramids. 

These burial monuments and large pyramids are an inseparable part of the ancient Egyptian culture. The discoveries of these historical monuments helped Egyptologists understand the culture and their perspective on the afterlife. Exploring Egypt can be fun, as you can combine the land tour with a Nile cruise in Egypt. In this way, travellers can relax while on their adventurous journey. 

When was the oldest pyramid built? 

Around 2630 BCE, the oldest pyramid for the Djoser was built on the archaeological site of Saqqara. Unlike the other pyramid with smooth and straight slopes, this burial monument in Egypt is like six steps stacked one on top of another. Djoser was a king of Egypt’s third dynasty in the ancient kingdoms. He ruled during a time of political stability, which allowed large construction projects. According to Egyptian beliefs, Djoser wanted a tomb that would ensure his immortality in the afterlife. 

The Pyramid was built entirely from limestone, not mudbrick. With a height of approximately 62 meters (203 feet), its base size is about 109 × 121 meters. The stone blocks were carefully cut and arranged using an entirely new technique at the time, and they are still making Egyptologists wonder how these stones were moved during ancient times. 

Who made the first pyramid in the world?

The pyramid was designed by Imhotep, Djoser’s chief architect, priest, and advisor. Imhotep is considered the first known architect in history, the brilliant mind behind these historical marvels that have been standing for ages. He later became so respected that he was worshipped as a god of wisdom and medicine. 

Where was the Pyramid of Djoser built? 

It is located in Saqqara, an ancient burial ground near Memphis, Egypt. This area, named Saqqara, was a large burial ground that was surrounded by walls on the surrounding side, but later on, it was destroyed by invasions. The city is located in the south of modern Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Saqqara is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; here tourists not just see the pyramid of Djoser but also tombs and burial monuments of royal family members and courteous people. 

Saqqara is part of the Giza Governorate, so one can travel there while on their tour to the Pyramids of Giza. They are usually explored together. Still near the Djoser pyramid, many ongoing research excavations are being performed to find more tombs. Exploring Saqqara is included by many travellers in their itineraries for Nile cruises from Luxor to Aswan. Most of the tour companies, like Nile Cruisen also provide guided tours for pyramid explorations. 

What makes the pyramid of Djoser different from other pyramids? 

Factors that set apart the Pyramid of Djoser from others are listed below: 

• The unique step pyramid is created not just for one pharaoh; it has chambers for his families and court members. 
• Beneath the pyramid is a maze-like underground system. Over 5.7 kilometers (3.5 miles) of tunnels exist below the structure.
• These tunnels lead to burial chambers, storage rooms, and decorative rooms with blue tiles and have amazing carvings on the walls that are still present after ages. 
• The burial chamber was made of granite, a very hard stone, one of the reasons it’s still standing. 
• The pyramid is part of a large funerary complex covering about 15 hectares, commonly known as Saqqara. 
• The complex includes courtyards, altars, and shrines. 

What is the world’s first true pyramid?

The Red Pyramid of Pharaoh Sneferu, the first pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty, is considered the first true pyramid. It has smooth, sloping sides, unlike the step pyramids. The pyramid was completed around 2600 BCE and set the design standard for later pyramids. According to scriptures and archaeological evidence, it is considered the first-ever pyramid built in history. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How to reach Djoser’s Pyramid? 

Reaching Djoser’s Pyramid is easy; from Cairo a cab can make you reach Saqqara in around 45 minutes, a road drive, and there tourists can explore different places. Most of the tourists pair the pyramid exploration with an Egypt River cruise before or after, as the majority of travellers get flights from the Cairo airport. 

Are the pyramids in Egypt or Mexico older?

Egyptian pyramids are much older than Mexican pyramids. Egyptian pyramids date back to 2600 BCE. Mexican pyramids began appearing around 100 BCE to 250 CE. This means Egyptian pyramids are over 2,000 years old.

Which pyramids are older, Mayan or Egyptian?

Egyptian pyramids are older than Mayan pyramids. Mayan pyramids were built mainly between 250 CE and 900 CE. Egyptian pyramids were already ancient by the time Mayan civilization began building theirs.

Are the Mexican pyramids older than the Egyptian pyramids?

No, Mexican pyramids are not older. Egyptian pyramids were built in the Bronze Age. Mexican pyramids belong to much later civilizations, such as the Maya and Aztecs. 

Which country has older pyramids than Egypt?

No country has pyramids older than Egypt. It holds the record for the first pyramid, the first true pyramid, and the earliest large stone monuments in human history. These facts are stated by archaeological proofs and inventions.