When Did the First Pyramids Appear in Egypt?

The pyramids are iconic in Egyptian history. Great brick structures that were build according to impeccably precise calculations so that each one lined up with a determined star/group of stars.The reason for this was that the ancient Egyptians believed that the entire complex burial ritual (performed for royalty and commoners alike, though the royalty were the only ones to have pyramids built) was to facilitate an easier and more prepared transition into the after-life for the deceased’s soul.

The first pyramids in Egypt were built in a vast burial complex centered around the Pyramid of Djoser (constructed 2630 BCE–2611 BCE). The complex was the first of its kind in ancient Egypt, and was built in the “step” style, which set the precedent for most other pyramids to come in the future. Djoser was a Pharaoh during the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt. It is unknown exactly how long he ruled because of the difference between our calendar and the Egyptian biennial taxation years. It is surmised that his rule was prosperous, and that his administration had exceptional control over resources and the population to perform the labor-intensive task of the constructing his pyramid. The pyramid was built of stone instead of the traditional mud-brick method, and therefore required the extra work. What also sets this pyramid apart from royal burial monuments prior, is that the name of the architect is recorded. Imhotep, the architect for Pharaoh Djoser had the pyramid built to align with the North Star.

 The better-known Egyptian pyramids lie in Giza. There you will find some of the largest if the world’s pyramids in existence, The Great Pyramid, The Pyramid of Khafre, the smaller Queens Pyramids, and the famous Great Sphinx. The compound on which all these majestic structures stand is called the Giza Necropolis. The necropolis is the only original member “Seven Wonders of the World” as listed by Antipater of Sidon during the Hellenistic Age.