The site

Saqqara is the vast necropolis of Memphis, ancient Egypt's capital, spread across a desert plateau south of modern Cairo. At its heart stands the Pyramid of Djoser, the famous Step Pyramid and the oldest complete stone building complex known in history, built in the Third Dynasty around 2700 BCE. Sixteen kings raised pyramids here, and high officials added mastaba tombs, keeping the site alive for burials for over 3,000 years.

Field notes

civilizations

Egyptian

types

Village · Necropolis

built

2,700 BCE — 2,600 BCE

occupied

3,000 BCE — 30 BCE

country

Egypt

elevation

39 m above sea level